Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Rick Scott have introduced the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act, a legislative proposal aimed at increasing transparency in broadband investment. The bill seeks to ensure that taxpayer dollars are effectively used in broadband deployment to underserved communities.

Senator Young stated, "Our bill will provide much-needed transparency to ensure that broadband is effectively being deployed to unserved communities, helping to close the digital divide for all Americans."

The legislation addresses the $42 billion investment made by the U.S. government in 2023 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program grant awarded to the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA). Currently, this program is exempt from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The proposed act would remove this exemption and mandate proof of how these funds are spent.

In addition to Senators Young and Scott, several other senators have cosponsored the bill: John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, John Curtis, Dan Sullivan, Roger Wicker, and Jerry Moran. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by August Pfluger, Buddy Carter, Neal Dunn, Troy Balderson, Randy Weber, and Russ Fulcher.

The full text of the legislation is available for public review.