House of Representatives
Lawmakers Introduce the Preventing Disruptions to Universal Services Funds Act
Reps Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Preventing Disruptions to Universal Services Funds Act (H.R.5400) to extend access to federal funds for telecommunications programs for three years, eliminating the need for a yearly fund recertification. The bill was created to ensure internet access for millions across the country is not disrupted by federal funding costs allowing for continuous access to available resources.
Reps Matsui and Doyle Introduce the Spectrum Innovation Act
Reps Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) introduced the Spectrum Innovation Act (H.R.5378) to free up new airwaves for wireless broadband use by the public. The Spectrum Innovation Act would ensure faster speeds and more responsive networks for consumers. In addition to up to 200 megahertz of spectrum auctioned for mobile broadband, this bill would help usher in new, innovative wireless uses through opportunistic and other flexible spectrum uses.
Rep Eshoo, Sen Wyden Press Big Five Publishers on Costly, Overly Restrictive E-Book Contracts with Libraries (House of Representatives)
Submitted by benton on Fri, 09/24/2021 - 15:49Congressmembers Introduce Legislation to Establish a Voucher Program & Close the Digital Divide
Rep A Donald McEachin (D-VA) and Sen Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Device Access for Every American Act to ensure more Americans can afford connected devices (S.2729) (H.R.5257). While computer access is nearly ubiquitous amongst high-income households, 40 percent of low-income adults lack a desktop or laptop computer.
Rep Fletcher Introduces the Broadband Incentives for Communities Act
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.
Rep Castor Introduces the 21st Century FTC Act
Rep Kathy Castor (D-FL) introduced the 21st Century FTC Act, legislation that would give the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Administrative Procedure Act rulemaking authority and first offense civil penalty authority. “For too long, the FTC has been hamstrung in its ability to promulgate effective rules of the road for consumers and penalize companies that harm our friends and neighbors," stated Castor.
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Connect SNAP Recipients to Internet
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 Takano Reintroduces Unsubscribe Act to Protect Online Consumers (House of Representatives)
Submitted by Grace Tepper on Thu, 06/17/2021 - 14:12Support From 45 Groups for Bill to Expand Community Broadband
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.