SE Nebraska 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 the two senators originally helped create as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The MAP for Broadband Funding Act is designed to ensure that federal agencies are accurately reporting their broadband funding data to the FCC. This oversight is intended to improve how the map functions for public users, government 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.

“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,” USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter said.

"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,” CostQuest Associates said.

The new bill directs the FCC to conduct a Notice of Inquiry on how well its map works from a user perspective and whether any updates are necessary. It also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review how effectively federal agencies are entering data into this system according to existing law, aiming to identify any shortcomings in current reporting practices.

The FCC's Broadband Funding Map was first launched in 2023 after being developed through bipartisan efforts included in major infrastructure legislation passed earlier by Congress.