Cornhusker State News

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have introduced the Modernization, Accountability, and Planning (MAP) for Broadband Funding Act. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Broadband Funding Map, which Fischer and Cortez Masto originally developed as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The MAP for Broadband Funding Act is designed to ensure that federal agencies reliably report their broadband funding data to the FCC. This effort comes after the launch of the Broadband Funding Map in 2023, a tool intended to improve coordination and transparency among public stakeholders, federal agencies, and broadband providers.

“I have worked diligently for years to close the digital divide for unserved and underserved communities. My work with Senator Cortez Masto was underscored by the Broadband Funding Map, which we created in 2021. While I’m pleased the FCC launched the Map in 2023, it is clear oversight is needed here to ensure all federal agencies are utilizing the Map to its full potential. I won’t relent in my efforts to expand Internet connectivity for those who lack access—this is a critical step in that mission,” Fischer said.

“As we work to expand broadband access across the country, it’s critical that we do with as much transparency, accountability, and coordination as possible. Reliable access to the internet is already so important for people to work and take care of their everyday tasks. Congress must ensure we continue to expand its access efficiently,” Cortez Masto said.

Industry leaders also commented on the bill's introduction. USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter stated: “Big thanks to Senators Fischer and Cortez Masto for their work in bringing about the MAP for Broadband Funding Act. By improving the accuracy and transparency of the Broadband Funding Map, we can more effectively target federal funding for broadband deployment where it’s truly needed. Plus, requiring federal agencies to report broadband deployment data to the FCC and NTIA will strengthen coordination and accountability across programs.”

CostQuest Associates added: "Senator Fischer should be commended for marshaling the Federal Communications Commission and the Government Accountability Office to ensure that precious federal broadband dollars are spent as efficiently as possible. CostQuest appreciates the Senator's data-driven approach to ensuring accountability for broadband spending across the government.”

Under provisions of this new bill, the FCC would be required to conduct a Notice of Inquiry on how well its map functions from a user-experience perspective while evaluating what updates might be necessary. Additionally, it directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess whether federal agencies are complying with current laws when populating information on this map—identifying any reporting gaps that could affect its effectiveness.