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US HR6819

US HR6819
COVID–19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act COVID–19 Designation of Immediate Special Authority of Spectrum for Tribes’ Emergency Response in Indian Country Act


summary

Introduced
05/12/2020
In Committee
05/12/2020
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

Grants emergency special temporary authority and provides funds to deploy wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant emergency special temporary authority to Indian tribes, certain tribal entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands if they request such authority to use electromagnetic spectrum to provide wireless broadband service over tribal lands or Hawaiian home lands. The FCC must grant such emergency authority within 10 days of receiving a request. In addition, the bill provides funds to specified Department of Agriculture grant programs for (1) immediate deployment of wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands, including repairs to damaged infrastructure and backhaul costs; and (2) technical assistance and training.

AI Summary

This bill, the COVID-19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act, grants emergency special temporary authority and provides funds to deploy wireless broadband service on tribal lands and Hawaiian home lands. Specifically, it directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant emergency special temporary authority to Indian tribes, tribal entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to use available electromagnetic spectrum to provide wireless broadband service on their respective lands within 10 days of receiving a request. Additionally, the bill appropriates $297.5 million for grants to these entities for the immediate deployment of wireless broadband service, including for backhaul costs and infrastructure repairs, and $3 million for technical assistance and training grants to help them prepare applications for the deployment grants.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (on 05/12/2020)

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