Congress Approves Several Broadband Measures

On April 20, 2026, the House approved several bipartisan broadband bills aimed at expanding access, streamlining deployment, and improving accountability in federal programs. Two bills were sent to the Senate for consideration, while one cleared the Congress and now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

• H.R. 1681 – Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act: Establishes an interagency strike force to speed federal permitting reviews for broadband projects on public lands; passed 384–9 and sent to the Senate.
• H.R. 1343 – Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act: Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a system to track and improve transparency of federal broadband permitting applications; passed by voice vote; also sent to the Senate.
• S. 98 – Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025: Requires the FCC to vet broadband providers receiving Universal Service Fund support and enforce buildout accountability; passed by voice vote and now heads to the president.

The House had also been expected to consider the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289) this week, which would streamline federal environmental and historic preservation reviews to accelerate broadband deployment. Consideration was postponed amid concerns from some lawmakers and stakeholders about impacts on local review authority and community input.

NAR will continue to work with Congress and federal agencies to close the digital divide by supporting policies that expand access to reliable, high-speed broadband, promote affordability, and encourage efficient deployment to underserved communities nationwide.