Broadband Buildout Accountability Act

House Bill

H.R. 1579

119th Congress

Broadband Buildout Accountability Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 25, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Scott H. Peters

Representative

Democratic

CA-50

Cosponsors

5

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

This bill makes decisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program subject to the Freedom of Information Act, increasing transparency in broadband funding decisions.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill makes decisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration regarding the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program subject to the Freedom of Information Act, increasing transparency in broadband funding decisions.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Broadband Buildout Accountability Act This bill makes actions or decisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration concerning the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which governs the release of federal documents.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Applies FOIA to BEAD Program decisions
Increases broadband funding transparency
Covers NTIA actions and decisions
Allows public access to documents
Enhances accountability for broadband grants

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

The public would have access to information about broadband funding decisions. Transparency in the BEAD programs billions in grants would increase. Stakeholders could better understand how funds are allocated.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

1579, 119th Congress (2025). "Broadband Buildout Accountability Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-1579