This bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to enhance oversight and efficiency in broadband deployment by mandating the creation of a public dashboard to track the progress of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant recipients, detailing expended funds and locations served. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary must develop a tool to help BEAD eligible entities identify and monitor their subgrantees' progress in obtaining necessary Federal permits . To accelerate infrastructure deployment, the legislation directs the Assistant Secretary to improve the processing of communications use applications by executive agencies. This involves developing data controls for accurate tracking of processing times and establishing an alert system for agency employees when applications are at risk of missing the statutory 270-day deadline. The Assistant Secretary must also analyze and address factors contributing to processing delays, reporting annually to Congress. Finally, the bill aims to streamline environmental reviews for significant broadband projects by expanding the definition of "covered project" under the FAST Act. This includes certain broadband infrastructure projects that are subject to NEPA, involve broadband construction, and are likely to require a total investment exceeding $5,000,000.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S2173)
Science, Technology, Communications
Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-4448| Senate
| Updated: 4/30/2026
This bill requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to enhance oversight and efficiency in broadband deployment by mandating the creation of a public dashboard to track the progress of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant recipients, detailing expended funds and locations served. Additionally, the Assistant Secretary must develop a tool to help BEAD eligible entities identify and monitor their subgrantees' progress in obtaining necessary Federal permits . To accelerate infrastructure deployment, the legislation directs the Assistant Secretary to improve the processing of communications use applications by executive agencies. This involves developing data controls for accurate tracking of processing times and establishing an alert system for agency employees when applications are at risk of missing the statutory 270-day deadline. The Assistant Secretary must also analyze and address factors contributing to processing delays, reporting annually to Congress. Finally, the bill aims to streamline environmental reviews for significant broadband projects by expanding the definition of "covered project" under the FAST Act. This includes certain broadband infrastructure projects that are subject to NEPA, involve broadband construction, and are likely to require a total investment exceeding $5,000,000.