Bill · H.R. 5358· House(119-HR-5358)
TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act
- Introduced
- 9/15/2025
- Last activity
- 9/15/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
- Sponsored by
- Russell Fry
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act," aims to streamline the removal and replacement of specific communications equipment. It focuses on projects intended to replace equipment or services listed under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. The legislation provides exemptions from certain review requirements to speed up these projects. Specifically, it exempts these projects from being considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It also exempts them from being considered undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Yes
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+3
The bill facilitates the timely replacement of communications equipment to ensure secure and dependable broadband networks.
The opposite
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-5
The bill exempts communications replacement projects from environmental reviews required by NEPA.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?-3
The bill removes requirements for historical preservation reviews under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-2
The bill bypasses standard federal review processes for specific projects.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Streamlined Replacement Process: By exempting projects from certain reviews, the bill allows for the permanent removal of covered communications equipment and its replacement with secure services more efficiently. This applies to "covered projects" as defined in Section 2(c)(1).
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Reduction of Environmental Review Requirements: Under Section 2(a), a Federal authorization for a covered project would not be considered a "major Federal action" under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This removes the requirement to prepare certain environmental reviews.
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Reduction of Historical Preservation Review Requirements: Under Section 2(b), a covered project would not be considered an undertaking under the National Historic Preservation Act. This removes the requirement to prepare certain historical preservation reviews.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Loss of Environmental Oversight: Because Section 2(a) exempts covered projects from being considered major Federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the standard environmental review process would not be required for these projects.
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Loss of Historical Preservation Oversight: Because Section 2(b) exempts covered projects from being considered undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act, the standard historical preservation review process would not be required for these projects.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-5Improves Public Land Management-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights-2
- 9/15/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
- Introduced in House