WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously voted to advance Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan bill to improve transparency and efficiency in the broadband deployment process. This legislation is crucial in preventing Americans in rural areas from getting left behind.
The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress within 180 days detailing how the agency will track permit applications for deploying broadband on federal lands. This will streamline projects to expand broadband access and help close the digital divide for communities in rural America.
Watch Rep. Pfluger's remarks during the full committee markup in support of his legislation HERE or by clicking the image below.
Read his remarks as prepared for delivery below:
I rise in support of my bipartisan bill, H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, which I am leading with Congressman Soto.
I’m proud that this is the first of many bipartisan bills to be considered in today’s markup, and I hope this committee can come together to deliver bipartisan solutions on energy efficiency and broadband permitting that deliver real results for the American people.
My commonsense bill would improve broadband deployment transparency and efficiency by streamlining the acceptance, processing, and disposal of Form 299 for communications use authorization. Form 299 is the common federal application used to request access to rights‑of‑way or site broadband facilities, such as fiber and towers, on federal lands or buildings.
At the recent broadband permitting hearing, we heard several examples that underscored the need for this legislation. Several broadband infrastructure providers detailed instances in which they had crews ready, equipment purchased, and federal funds allocated, but were left waiting for permits for an extraordinary amount of time.
Last Congress, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act. Passing the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act would be a crucial step toward fixing this process and closing the digital divide, creating a more connected future for all Americans.
I urge my Republican and Democrat colleagues to support this legislation. Americans cannot afford to be left behind any longer.
