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Bill115th CongressFiled Oct 6, 2017Science, Technology, Communications
H.R. 3994

ACCESS BROADBAND Act

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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Law

What it doesSummary passed house amended (Jul 23, 2018)

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 just happenedJul 24, 2018

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

Who’s behind it

Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20](D-NY)Sponsor
17 cosponsors10 D7 R
Read on Congress.gov
17cosponsors2committees18actions1related bills20subjects
  1. Jul 24, 2018IntroReferral

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

    Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
  2. Jul 23, 2018FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Jul 23, 2018FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H6608-6609)

  4. Jul 23, 2018Floor8000

    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)

  5. Jul 23, 2018FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3994.

  6. Jul 23, 2018FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H6608-6610)

  7. Jul 23, 2018FloorH30300

    Mr. Lance moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Jul 18, 2018CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 650.

  9. Jul 18, 2018CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-841.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  10. Jul 18, 2018Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-841.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  11. Jul 12, 2018Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  12. Jul 12, 2018Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  13. Jun 13, 2018Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  14. Jun 13, 2018Committee

    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  15. Oct 13, 2017Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

    Communications and Technology Subcommittee
  16. Oct 6, 2017IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  17. Oct 6, 2017IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  18. Oct 6, 2017IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House amendedJul 23, 201836

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.

Reported to House with amendment(s)Jul 18, 201817

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 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.

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.

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.

Introduced in HouseOct 6, 2017

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 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 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.

The office shall consult with any agency offering a federal broadband support program in order to streamline the application process and create one application that may be submitted to apply for all federal broadband support programs.

ACCESS BROADBAND Act — Informed