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ACCESS BROADBAND Act

Introduced: October 6, 2017 Introduced by: Tonko, Paul Democratic · New York See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 16 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jul 24, 2018
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Jul 23, 2018
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jul 23, 2018
Mr. Lance moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Jul 23, 2018
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H6608-6609)
Jul 23, 2018
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3994.
Jul 23, 2018
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6608-6610)
Jul 23, 2018
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6608-6609)
Jul 18, 2018
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 650.
Jul 18, 2018
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-841.
Jul 12, 2018
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Jul 12, 2018
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 13, 2018
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 13, 2018
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
Oct 13, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Oct 6, 2017
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Oct 6, 2017
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

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

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

(Sec. 3) The office shall:

  • connect with communities that need access to high-speed Internet and improved digital inclusion efforts,
  • hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption,
  • develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media,
  • develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and
  • track construction and use of and access to any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.

The office must report annually: (1) a description of the office's work, (2) the number of U.S. residents who received broadband as result of federal broadband programs and the Universal Service Fund program, and (3) an estimate of the economic impact of such broadband deployment efforts on the local economy.

(Sec. 4) 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 and create one application that may be submitted to apply for all federal broadband support programs.

(Sec. 5) 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.

(Sec. 7) No additional funds are authorized to carry out this bill.

What's happening now July 24, 2018

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3