This bill establishes the Communications Equity and Diversity Council within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to advise on advancing equity and diversity in communication services. The Council's primary duties include making recommendations to the FCC on issues such as ensuring equitable access to communication services without discrimination, assisting historically underserved individuals, and accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable services. It will also work to reduce regulatory barriers, promote the entry of small businesses owned by underserved individuals, and foster a diversity of voices and economic competition in the communication sector. The Council will also serve as a vital forum for stakeholders to discuss critical issues like service deployment, affordability, digital discrimination, and ownership diversity. Composed of 30 to 35 members appointed by the FCC Chair for two-year terms, the Council must include representatives from historically underserved individuals , consumers, civil rights organizations, and industry stakeholders. Meetings will be held at least three times annually, be open to the public, and result in accessible deliverables, with an authorized appropriation of $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support its operations.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Communications Equity and Diversity Council Act
USA119th CongressHR-7943| House
| Updated: 3/16/2026
This bill establishes the Communications Equity and Diversity Council within the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to advise on advancing equity and diversity in communication services. The Council's primary duties include making recommendations to the FCC on issues such as ensuring equitable access to communication services without discrimination, assisting historically underserved individuals, and accelerating the deployment of affordable and reliable services. It will also work to reduce regulatory barriers, promote the entry of small businesses owned by underserved individuals, and foster a diversity of voices and economic competition in the communication sector. The Council will also serve as a vital forum for stakeholders to discuss critical issues like service deployment, affordability, digital discrimination, and ownership diversity. Composed of 30 to 35 members appointed by the FCC Chair for two-year terms, the Council must include representatives from historically underserved individuals , consumers, civil rights organizations, and industry stakeholders. Meetings will be held at least three times annually, be open to the public, and result in accessible deliverables, with an authorized appropriation of $450,000 for fiscal year 2027 to support its operations.