Legis Daily

PLAN for Broadband Act

USA119th CongressHR-2805| House 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
Tim Walberg

Tim Walberg

Republican Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (3)
Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act" or the "PLAN for Broadband Act," mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide within one year. This strategy, developed in consultation with various federal agencies, aims to support better management of Federal broadband programs, synchronize interagency coordination, and streamline processes for broadband infrastructure on federal property. Its overarching goal is to deliver high-speed, affordable broadband internet access to all individuals in the United States. The required contents of the strategy include listing all Federal and relevant State/local broadband programs, identifying gaps and limitations in coordination, and establishing clear roles, responsibilities, goals, and performance measures for covered agencies. It must also address the costs, resources, and investments needed, as well as factors increasing administrative burdens for State, local, and Tribal governments. Furthermore, the strategy will recommend incentives and actions to improve program coordination, eliminate duplication, and specifically address issues related to closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. Following the strategy, an Implementation Plan must be developed within 120 days, detailing how to execute the strategy's goals, hold agencies accountable, and coordinate efforts. This plan will include adopting common data sets for federal broadband awards, monitoring and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, and increasing awareness of affordability programs. The Assistant Secretary is required to provide regular briefings to Congress on the implementation progress, and the Government Accountability Office will conduct a study to assess the strategy's efficacy and recommend improvements.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8679
PLAN for Broadband Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4505
PLAN for Broadband Act
Mar 12, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-323
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8679
    PLAN for Broadband Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4505
    PLAN for Broadband Act


  • March 12, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-323
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Science, Technology, Communications

PLAN for Broadband Act

USA119th CongressHR-2805| House 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
This bill, titled the "Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act" or the "PLAN for Broadband Act," mandates the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Close the Digital Divide within one year. This strategy, developed in consultation with various federal agencies, aims to support better management of Federal broadband programs, synchronize interagency coordination, and streamline processes for broadband infrastructure on federal property. Its overarching goal is to deliver high-speed, affordable broadband internet access to all individuals in the United States. The required contents of the strategy include listing all Federal and relevant State/local broadband programs, identifying gaps and limitations in coordination, and establishing clear roles, responsibilities, goals, and performance measures for covered agencies. It must also address the costs, resources, and investments needed, as well as factors increasing administrative burdens for State, local, and Tribal governments. Furthermore, the strategy will recommend incentives and actions to improve program coordination, eliminate duplication, and specifically address issues related to closing the digital divide on Tribal lands. Following the strategy, an Implementation Plan must be developed within 120 days, detailing how to execute the strategy's goals, hold agencies accountable, and coordinate efforts. This plan will include adopting common data sets for federal broadband awards, monitoring and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, and increasing awareness of affordability programs. The Assistant Secretary is required to provide regular briefings to Congress on the implementation progress, and the Government Accountability Office will conduct a study to assess the strategy's efficacy and recommend improvements.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-8679
PLAN for Broadband Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4505
PLAN for Broadband Act
Mar 12, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-323
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-8679
    PLAN for Broadband Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4505
    PLAN for Broadband Act


  • March 12, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-323
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Tim Walberg

Tim Walberg

Republican Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (3)
Kristen McDonald Rivet (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Scott H. Peters (Democratic)

Energy and Commerce Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted