Bill > S323

This bill, known as the "PLAN for Broadband Act", directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop a comprehensive National Strategy to coordinate and improve federal broadband programs. The strategy aims to enhance the management of broadband initiatives across multiple federal agencies, including the FCC, Department of Agriculture, and others, with the ultimate goal of providing high-speed, affordable internet access to all individuals in the United States. The bill requires the Assistant Secretary to create a detailed strategy within one year that will identify existing broadband programs, highlight coordination challenges, establish clear roles and responsibilities for agencies, address cost and resource allocation, and recommend ways to streamline broadband infrastructure deployment. Following the strategy's development, the Assistant Secretary must also create an implementation plan within 120 days, which will outline specific steps to achieve the strategy's goals, including adopting consistent data sets, reducing administrative burdens, and preventing funding duplications. The bill also mandates a Government Accountability Office study to evaluate the strategy's effectiveness and provides mechanisms for tracking progress, including regular briefings to congressional committees and public reporting on implementation efforts.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/323/all-info