Bill · H.R. 8936· House(119-HR-8936)
Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/20/2026
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Doris Matsui
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026 aims to establish the Foundation for Digital Opportunity. This nonprofit organization is intended to promote digital inclusion and digital literacy across the United States. The Foundation's mission includes increasing broadband adoption and preparing populations for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. It will be governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director. The Foundation is designed to raise and leverage funding from various sectors to support its goals. This act also outlines the process for establishing a committee to oversee the Foundation's initial creation.
Yes· 3 of 18
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+8
The central mission of the bill is to increase broadband adoption and digital inclusion across the country.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+6
The bill targets broadband adoption and digital literacy to provide better economic and educational opportunities.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill includes support for the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to assist Indigenous communities.
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 Access and Skills: The Foundation aims to promote digital inclusion, which includes ensuring individuals have access to reliable broadband, internet-enabled or artificial intelligence-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. (Section 2(a)(8) and Section 2(c)(1)(B))
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Economic and Educational Opportunities: Through programs and partnerships, the Foundation seeks to increase broadband adoption, upskill workers for emerging technologies, and support economic development including workforce readiness. (Section 2(c)(1)(B) and Section 2(c)(1)(C)(vi))
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Support for Specific Communities: The Foundation is tasked with promoting equitable access to digital technologies that support accessibility, telehealth, distance learning, and online access to governmental services. (Section 2(c)(1)(D))
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Support for Tribal Connectivity: The Foundation may support grants under the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program if there are not enough appropriations to do so. (Section 2(e)(10))
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Economic Stimulation via Subsidiaries: The Foundation may establish for-profit subsidiaries or impact investment funds to stimulate economic development activities and attract investment for digital inclusion. (Section 2(e)(6))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lack of Government Liability: The United States shall not be liable for any debt, default, act, or omission of the Foundation, nor does the full faith and credit of the United States extend to its obligations. (Section 2(f)(9))
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Potential for Conflict of Interest: While the bill requires the Board to develop conflict of interest standards, it acknowledges that individuals serving as officers, employees, or members must navigate potential financial interests. (Section 2(f)(7))
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+6Good For Native Americans+6Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Seniors+5Good For Students+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Women+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+8Improves College Affordability+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+4Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+1
- 5/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
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.