Bill · H.R. 7943· House(119-HR-7943)
Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act
- Introduced
- 3/16/2026
- Last activity
- 3/16/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Robert Menendez
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act," proposes the creation of an advisory committee within the Federal Communications Commission. The Council is tasked with making recommendations to advance equity and access to communication services while assisting historically underserved individuals. It aims to accelerate the deployment of affordable and reliable services by removing regulatory barriers and helping small businesses enter the industry. Additionally, the Council will serve as a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues like deployment, affordability, and ownership diversity. The group will also develop data and examine industry trends to fulfill its duties.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+5
The bill specifically mandates efforts to accelerate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+5
The bill focuses on accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable communication services to all communities.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill aims to facilitate the entry of small businesses into communication service industries.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Access and Equity: The Council is tasked with advancing equity in the provision of and access to communication services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or disability (Section 2(a)(1)(A)).
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Support for Underserved Groups: The bill aims to assist historically underserved individuals in benefiting from communication services and opportunities (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).
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Improved Service Deployment: The Council will work toward accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable communication services to all communities by reducing or removing regulatory barriers to infrastructure and investment (Section 2(a)(1)(C)).
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Small Business Growth: There is a focus on accelerating the entry of small businesses, including those owned by historically underserved individuals, into industries related to communication services (Section 2(a)(1)(D)).
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Public Transparency: Meetings of the Council must be open to the public and must result in deliverables such as meeting summaries, minutes, and presentations that are accessible to the public (Section 2(d)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens 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 Business Owners+4Good For Rural Residents+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Women+3Good For Veterans+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Disability Rights+3Improves Gender Equality+3Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- 3/16/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Nanette BarragánDemocrat · California
Troy CarterDemocrat · Louisiana
Doris MatsuiDemocrat · California