House of Representatives

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) introduced the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act (H.R.5058) to help communities across the country upgrade and expand their broadband infrastructure. Over the past decade, Congress has invested $12 billion for communities to deploy broadband, and as Congress moves to pass an infrastructure package with additional broadband investment, local governments will need support navigating the expected increase in permitting applications for these projects.

Reps Elaine Luria (D-VA) and John Katko (R-NY) introduced the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access for SNAP Recipients Act of 2021 (H.R.4275). This bipartisan bill would lower the cost of phone and internet access for households that benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP recipients automatically qualify for the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline Program, which offers discounted phone and internet service.

Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Rep Jared Golden (D-ME) and Sen Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced that 45 groups representing consumers, civil rights, industry, municipalities, and utilities are supporting the Community Broadband Act, legislation that will empower local communities to ensure their residents have broadband access by removing roadblocks for public-private partnerships and locally-owned broadband systems.

Rep dam Kinzinger (R-IL) introduced H.R. 3346, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Communication Commission from regulating the rates charged for broadband internet access service. Broadband access has become increasingly important in the 21st Century and has become even more essential as the coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to move online to work, attend school, conduct business, and even socialize.

Rep G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-01) introduced the Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act (HR 3376) to increase access to and speed the deployment of broadband to households and small businesses currently without this vital service. The bill will enable more broadband service providers to participate in the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund (USF) programs by eliminating an outdated requirement that only internet service providers designated as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) may receive USF dollars.

Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03) introduced the Gigabit Opportunity (GO) Act (HR 3377). The bill acknowledges the importance of high-speed internet to the 21^st century economy and accordingly encourages private investment in broadband service through targeted tax incentives in areas that still lack access. The GO Act would empower states to designate low-income areas that lack fixed wireless broadband service at speeds of at least 25 / 3 mbps.

House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO-06) and Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) introduced the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act, a bill to remove barriers for communities seeking to use Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to develop high-speed broadband access.