What does Preamble of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This bill directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 29, 2025, by Mr. Wicker, Mr. Lujan, and Mr. Welch.

What does SHORT TITLE. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act' or the 'PLAN for Broadband Act'.

What does DEFINITIONS. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Appropriate committees of Congress” are defined as the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. “Assistant Secretary” refers to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. “Broadband internet access service” is defined by reference to section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. “Covered agencies” include the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Agriculture, and several other federal agencies. “Federal broadband program” means any program administered by a covered agency intended to increase broadband deployment, access, affordability, or adoption. “Federal land management agency” includes the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies. “Implementation Plan” refers to the plan developed under section 4(a). “Strategy” means the National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs developed under section 3(a).

What does NATIONAL STRATEGY TO SYNCHRONIZE FEDERAL BROADBAND PROGRAMS. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section requires the Assistant Secretary to develop and submit a National Strategy to Synchronize Federal Broadband Programs within one year of the Act's enactment. The strategy aims to improve the management of Federal broadband programs, ensuring efficient and fiscally responsible use of funding to provide affordable broadband access. It mandates synchronization of interagency coordination, including streamlining the permitting process for broadband infrastructure. The strategy must list Federal and State/local broadband programs, describe current coordination efforts, and identify gaps and limitations hindering coordination. It requires establishing roles, responsibilities, goals, and performance measures for agencies managing broadband programs. The strategy must address the cost of implementation, identify resource needs, and recommend incentives and solutions for State, local, and Tribal governments to efficiently distribute funding and avoid duplication. It calls for reporting on the effectiveness of each Federal broadband program and assessing the technological neutrality of agency policies. The strategy must also address issues specific to Tribal lands and propose measures to prevent fraud and misuse of broadband program funding.

What does IMPLEMENTATION PLAN. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section outlines the requirements for an implementation plan related to a strategy for Federal broadband programs. The Assistant Secretary must develop and submit this plan to Congress within 120 days of submitting the strategy. The implementation plan must detail a plan for implementing roles, responsibilities, goals, objectives, and performance measures. It requires streamlining policies and practices across covered agencies to ensure consistency in Federal broadband programs. The plan must establish accountability for covered agencies and describe interagency coordination mechanisms. Coordination among Federal broadband programs and permitting processes for infrastructure is also required. Regular evaluation and public reporting of programs against objectives and performance measures are mandated. The plan must address the adoption of common data sets, applications, and rules regarding Federal fund awards, including utilizing existing maps. It requires monitoring, reporting, and reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal broadband programs. Consistent reporting of obligations and expenditures is required, aligning with the ACCESS BROADBAND Act. The plan should increase awareness and participation in Federal broadband programs related to affordability and adoption. Finally, the plan must describe necessary administrative and legislative actions to carry out the strategy.

What does BRIEFINGS AND IMPLEMENTATION. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section outlines requirements for briefings and implementation of a Strategy and related Implementation Plan. The Assistant Secretary must provide a briefing to Congress within 21 days of submitting the Implementation Plan. The Assistant Secretary is responsible for implementing the Strategy according to the Implementation Plan. The Assistant Secretary must brief Congress on implementation progress at least every 90 days until the Implementation Plan is fully implemented. The section clarifies that it does not affect the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or allow the Assistant Secretary to direct the FCC's actions.

What does GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE STUDY AND REPORT. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section mandates a study by the Comptroller General of the United States. The study must commence within one year of the Assistant Secretary's submission of the Implementation Plan to Congress. The study will examine the efficacy of the Strategy and Implementation Plan in coordinating broadband funding. It will also recommend improvements to the Strategy and Implementation Plan. The study will review performance goals and measures for Federal broadband programs. It will examine broadband awards made by covered agencies, including those in areas reported as already served and potentially duplicative awards. The study aims to identify programmatic changes to prevent future issues related to broadband awards.

What does BROADBAND FUNDING MAP REPORTING. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section requires covered agencies to submit a report within 60 days of the Act's enactment. The report must detail actions taken since May 15, 2023, to coordinate with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission. The purpose of this coordination is to populate the Deployment Locations Map. The report must describe the extent to which agencies are submitting complete and timely data for the map. Agencies must also identify any challenges related to data submission.

What does TRACKING AND IMPROVING PROCESSING TIMES FOR COMMUNICATIONS USE of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section amends Section 6409(b)(3) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012. Executive agencies are required to develop controls to ensure data accuracy and completeness for tracking application processing times. Agencies must analyze factors contributing to delays, take corrective actions, and provide an annual report to specified congressional committees. The report must be submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and each committee of Congress with jurisdiction over the executive agency. Agencies must establish a method to alert employees to applications at risk of missing the 270-day deadline.

What does MINIMUM BROADBAND PROJECT COST. of PLAN for Broadband Act do?

This section amends Section 41001(6)(A) of the FAST Act. The amendment strikes 'or' at the end of clause (iii)(III). Clause (iv) of Section 41001(6)(A) is redesignated as clause (v). A new clause (iv) is inserted after clause (iii) of Section 41001(6)(A). The new clause (iv) establishes criteria for broadband projects, including being subject to NEPA, involving broadband infrastructure construction, and likely requiring a total investment exceeding $5,000,000.

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PLAN for Broadband Act

Last updated: 6/1/2026 · Introduced: 1/29/2025

Author: Roger Wicker (R-MS)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires the development of a National Strategy to synchronize federal broadband programs, aiming to improve coordination and ensure efficient use of funding.
The bill mandates an Implementation Plan detailing how federal agencies will implement the strategy, streamline processes, and establish accountability for broadband program performance.
Covered agencies must report actions taken to coordinate data submission for the Deployment Locations Map, ensuring accurate and timely information.
Executive agencies are directed to improve tracking of broadband application processing times, analyze delays, and report annually to Congress.
The bill establishes a minimum investment threshold of $5,000,000 for broadband projects meeting specific criteria, including environmental review and infrastructure construction.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 9 more.

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