Bill · H.R. 1665· House(119-HR-1665)
DIGITAL Applications Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 3/17/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Kat Cammack
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 3
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This legislation is known as the DIGITAL Applications Act. It requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to set up online portals. These portals will be used to accept, process, and dispose of certain Form 299s for communications use authorizations. The Secretaries must create these portals no later than one year after the bill is enacted. They also must notify the Assistant Secretary within three business days of setting up the portals. Finally, the Assistant Secretary will publish links to these online portals on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration website.
Yes· 3 of 23
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+5
This bill aims to streamline the process for deploying communications infrastructure, which should directly improve internet access, especially in underserved areas.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
Improved internet access can provide low-income households with access to employment opportunities, education, and social services.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+4
Rural residents often face greater challenges in accessing reliable internet, so streamlining deployment will be significantly helpful.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Under Section 2(a)(1), the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture must establish online portals within one year to accept, process, and dispose of Form 299s for communications use authorizations. This is a positive step because moving these requests online should make the process easier and more efficient for people and groups trying to get authorizations for communications facilities on public and National Forest System lands.
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Under Section 2(b), the Assistant Secretary must publish links to these online portals on the website of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This helps the public by making it simple and straightforward to find where they need to go to submit their paperwork.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific provisions identified that create negative consequences, burdens, or penalties for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Students+3Good For African Americans+2Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Hispanic Americans+2Good For Men+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Seniors+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Women+2Good For Young Adults+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2Improves Small Business Support+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 3/17/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 3/16/2026
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2511-2512)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2511-2512)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1665.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2511-2513)
- Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2/4/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-487, Part I.
- Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-487, Part II.
- Committee on Agriculture discharged.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 416.
- 1/7/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/3/2025
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
- 12/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 11/18/2025
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 4/9/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Greg LandsmanDemocrat · Ohio
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California
April McClain DelaneyDemocrat · Maryland