US Senate

Sens Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) announced the introduction of the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast. The legislation would reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda.

Sens Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in reintroducing the Digital Integrity in Democracy Act (S.840), legislation to increase accountability for social media platforms that knowingly host false election administration information.

Sens Edward Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) reintroduced the bipartisan Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), which would update online data privacy rules for the 21st century and ensure children and teenagers are protected online. Senator Markey first introduced this legislation to update his original COPPA law in 2011 as a member of the House of Representatives and has introduced the bipartisan legislation in every Congress since. Specifically, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act would:

Under existing law, federal broadband deployment grants are subject to federal taxation, limiting the funds available for recipients to use.

Sens John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) reintroduced their bipartisan Network Equipment Transparency (NET) Act to increase broadband supply chain transparency through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make sure federal broadband programs stay on track. Previous supply chain disruptions have delayed broadband infrastructure projects.

Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) reintroduced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide, as well as a plan to implement this strategy. Previous reports from the Government Accountability Office found that federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping.

Sens Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) are announcing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is awarding $24.8 million to expand broadband and digital skills training across Maine. Awarded through the NTIA’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, this Maine funding will ensure communities have the access and skills to fully participate in the digital world, regardless of their background or circumstances.