DRIVE Act of 2025

Senate Bill

S. 599

119th Congress

DRIVE Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Jun 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Ben Luján

D - NM

Cosponsors

9

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

The Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 would establish a new foundation to raise funds and develop programs to expand access to high-speed internet and promote digital literacy and inclusion across the United States. The foundation would be able to award grants, create subsidiaries, and partner with private companies to achieve its goals.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Introduced6/4/2025

StatusCommittee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

ChamberSenate

Data from Congress.gov

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Vote Prediction

DRIVE Act of 2025

The Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 would establish a new foundation to raise funds and develop programs to expand access to high-speed internet and promote digital literacy and inclusion across the United States. The foundation would be able to award gr

Community Breakdown

Pass

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Fail

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The Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 would establish a new foundation to raise funds and develop programs to expand access to high-speed internet and promote digital literacy and inclusion across the United States. The foundation would be able to award grants, create subsidiaries, and partner with private companies to achieve its goals.

Bill Number: 599
Introduced: 6/4/2025
Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: DRIVE Act of 2025
Bill Number: 599
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
Introduced: 6/4/2025
Summary: The Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 would establish a new foundation to raise funds and develop programs to expand access to high-speed internet and promote digital literacy and inclusion across the United States. The foundation would be able to award grants, create subsidiaries, and partner w

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 would establish a new foundation to raise funds and develop programs to expand access to high-speed internet and promote digital literacy and inclusion across the United States. The foundation would be able to award grants, create subsidiaries, and partner with private companies to achieve its goals.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023 This bill sets out a process for establishing a foundation to raise funding for, develop programs and partnerships to, and otherwise support efforts to expand access to broadband internet and promote digital literacy, inclusion, and equity. The bill authorizes the foundation to carry out a range of activities to advance its mission, such as awarding grants and establishing for-profit subsidiaries to stimulate economic development and attract investment partners. Specifically, the bill creates a temporary committee with members appointed by the Department of Commerce and other federal departments and agencies to set up the foundation and appoint the initial voting members of its board of directors. Within 90 days of the establishment of the foundation, the board must convene an advisory committee to annually report on and make recommendations concerning the foundation's activities. Additionally, within one year of the bill's enactment (and with input of the advisory committee), the foundation must provide Congress with a strategic plan for its activities during the two-year period following the submission of the plan. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must evaluate the foundation's activities every five years, and the foundation must provide Commerce and GAO with annual audits.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Creates a new government-backed foundation to support efforts to expand broadband access and digital skills training
Allows the foundation to fund a range of activities, including awarding grants and establishing for-profit subsidiaries
Requires the foundation to develop a strategic plan and undergo regular audits and evaluations by the Government Accountability Office

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If passed, this bill would aim to increase access to high-speed internet and digital tools for underserved communities across the country. This could particularly benefit low-income families, seniors, rural residents, and others who currently lack reliable, affordable broadband. The foundation's work could lead to more people gaining the digital skills needed to participate fully in the modern economy and society.