Bill · H.R. 2805· House(119-HR-2805)
PLAN for Broadband Act
- Introduced
- 4/9/2025
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.
- Sponsored by
- Tim Walberg
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 3
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The "PLAN for Broadband Act" directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide. This strategy aims to better manage Federal broadband programs and improve coordination between various agencies. It also seeks to streamline the process for installing broadband infrastructure on Federal property. Additionally, the bill aims to reduce the administrative burdens on State, local, and Tribal governments. Following the strategy, an implementation plan must be developed to establish clear roles and performance measures. Finally, the Government Accountability Office will study the effectiveness of these efforts.
Yes· 3 of 40
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+9
Primary beneficiary of efforts to close the digital divide and improve rural infrastructure.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+9
The primary goal of the bill is to provide high-speed, affordable broadband to all individuals in the U.S.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+8
Explicitly mandates addressing the digital divide on Tribal lands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Internet Access: The strategy aims to support the goal of providing high-speed, affordable broadband internet access service to all individuals in the United States (Section 2(a)(1)).
-
Easier Infrastructure Installation: The bill seeks to synchronize coordination for approving easements, rights of way, or leases on Federal property to help install or maintain broadband infrastructure (Section 2(a)(3)).
-
Support for Local Governments: The act aims to reduce barriers, lower costs, and ease administrative burdens for State, local, and Tribal governments trying to participate in Federal broadband programs (Section 2(a)(4)).
-
Focus on Tribal Lands: The strategy is required to address specific issues related to closing the digital divide on Tribal lands (Section 2(b)(11)).
-
Increased Program Awareness: The implementation plan includes a plan to increase awareness of, and participation in, Federal broadband programs regarding affordability and adoption (Section 3(b)(9)).
-
Waste Reduction: The plan includes steps to monitor and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal broadband programs, including spending caused by overlapping programs (Section 3(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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 Rural Residents+9Good For Native Americans+8Good For Farmers+7Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Students+7Good For African Americans+5Good For Business Owners+5Good For Children+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Middle Aged+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Retirees+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Immigrants+4Good For Veterans+4Good For Asian Americans+3Good For L G B T Q Community+3Good For Men+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Urban Residents+3Good For White Americans+3Good For Women+3Good For High Income Households+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Improves Small Business Support+3Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increase States Rights+3Improves Interstate Commerce+2Increases Federal Power+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+9
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+7Improves Public Land Management+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3Improves Mental Health Access+2
- 9/16/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.
- 9/1/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 8/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Kristen McDonald RivetDemocrat · Michigan
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia