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