ACCESS BROADBAND Act

Bill: 116-hr-1328
Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Introduced: 2019-02-25 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Digital media
Economic development
Economic performance and conditions
Educational technology and distance education
Employment and training programs
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
HIV/AIDS
Health technology, devices, supplies
Housing and community development funding
Housing finance and home ownership
Indian social and development programs
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Libraries and archives
Public housing
Public utilities and utility rates
Rural conditions and development
Small business
Telecommunication rates and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-25
text: 

Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act or the ACCESS BROADBAND Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The office shall connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption. The bill also requires the office to (1) develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media, (2) develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and (3) track construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
 
Under the bill, the office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process for financial assistance or grants.
 
The office, any agency that offers a federal broadband support program, and the Federal Communications Commission through the Universal Service Fund shall coordinate to ensure that broadband support is being distributed in an efficient, technology-neutral, and financially sustainable manner.

action_date: 2019-05-08
text: 

Advancing Critical Connectivity Expands Service, Small Business Resources, Opportunities, Access, and Data Based on Assessed Need and Demand Act or the ACCESS BROADBAND Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The office shall connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption. The bill also requires the office to (1) develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media, (2) develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and (3) track construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
 
Under the bill, the office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process for financial assistance or grants.
 
The office, any agency that offers a federal broadband support program, and the Federal Communications Commission through the Universal Service Fund shall coordinate to ensure that broadband support is being distributed in an efficient, technology-neutral, and financially sustainable manner.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-05-09
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3488-3489)
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3488-3489)
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1328.
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3488-3490)
action_date: 2019-05-08
text: Mr. Tonko moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
action_date: 2019-02-25
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2019-02-25
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-02-25
text: Introduced in House