Ben Luján (D-NM)
Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes the creation of the Foundation for Digital Opportunity, a nonprofit organization. A temporary Committee will be established by the Secretary of Commerce to incorporate this Foundation and appoint its initial Board of Directors. The Foundation's mission is to promote digital inclusion and digital literacy through programs, partnerships, and increased adoption of digital technologies. It is intended to supplement the work of existing federal agencies rather than replace them. The Foundation will be governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +7
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill establishes a Foundation specifically to increase broadband adoption and digital inclusion across the country.
- Scored +6
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The Foundation focuses on increasing access to affordable information and communication technologies for underserved populations.
- Scored +6
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill specifically supports Tribal broadband connectivity and engagement with Tribal governments.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Digital Inclusion: The Foundation aims to help people access reliable broadband, internet-enabled devices for work or school, and digital applications that encourage self-sufficiency (Section 2(a)(8); Section 2(c)(1)(D)).
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Digital Literacy and Training: The mission includes promoting digital literacy, which includes training in technologies driven by artificial intelligence and teaching users how to protect digital privacy and ensure cybersecurity (Section 2(a)(8)(B); Section 2(a)(9)).
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Economic and Workforce Opportunities: The Foundation is tasked with developing programs to upskill workers, alleviate skills gaps, and support economic development, including entrepreneurship and business retention (Section 2(c)(1)(B)-(C)(vi)).
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Support for Specific Communities: The Foundation is directed to work with and support various groups, including Tribal governments, Minority-serving institutions, and populations with low rates of broadband adoption (Section 2(c)(1)(C)).
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Improved Access to Essential Services: By promoting digital technology adoption, the bill seeks to improve access to telehealth, distance learning, and online access to governmental benefits and services (Section 2(c)(1)(D)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lack of Government Liability: The United States government will not be liable for any debt, default, act, or omission of the Foundation, nor will the full faith and credit of the United States extend to the Foundation's obligations (Section 2(f)(9)).
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Potential for For-Profit Involvement: The Foundation is authorized to establish for-profit subsidiaries and impact investment funds to attract investment (Section 2(e)(6)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The Foundation focuses on increasing access to affordable information and communication technologies for underserved populations. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically supports Tribal broadband connectivity and engagement with Tribal governments. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill promotes digital tools that support entrepreneurship and business retention. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill specifically mentions supporting older individuals through digital inclusion and telehealth access. Would retired people be better off under this? — Digital inclusion efforts include support for older individuals and access to telehealth. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Digital literacy and upskilling opportunities can benefit young adults entering the workforce. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Increased digital access can assist in navigating online access to governmental benefits and services.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill establishes a Foundation specifically to increase broadband adoption and digital inclusion across the country. Does this give people more control over their personal data? — The digital literacy mission includes teaching users how to protect their digital privacy. Does this make college cost less? — The bill supports distance learning and digital skills training through partnerships with institutions of higher education.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The Foundation is authorized to create for-profit subsidiaries that can support startups and partner with small business investment companies. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill tasks the Foundation with developing programs to upskill workers and support economic development through entrepreneurship.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The Foundation aims to promote self-sufficiency through digital literacy and access to online governmental benefits. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill directs the Foundation to work with Tribal governments and Minority-serving institutions to promote digital inclusion.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill promotes the adoption of digital technologies to support telehealth and improved access to healthcare services.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Foundation to submit public reports on its activities, financial accounting, and evaluations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill includes digital literacy training that covers basic awareness of cybersecurity measures.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — The bill emphasizes improving access to reliable broadband connectivity as essential digital infrastructure.
- 5/20/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts