Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act

Last action on Feb 4, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 415.

Summary

The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act proposes to improve how the federal government monitors requests to build internet infrastructure on public property. Specifically, it would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to create and submit a plan to Congress for tracking applications related to communications facilities. These applications include requests for leases, licenses, and rights-of-way needed to install or update equipment like cell towers and fiber optic lines on National Forest System land and other public lands.

If enacted, this bill aims to provide more transparency regarding how quickly the government handles these requests. By establishing a formal tracking system, the bill seeks to identify delays in the approval process for broadband projects. For everyday citizens, especially those in rural or underserved areas, this could eventually lead to faster internet expansion by ensuring that the administrative hurdles for building infrastructure on federal land are better managed and monitored.

Lifecycle of the Bill

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Feb 13, 2025

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Nov 18, 2025

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Nov 18, 2025

HearingHouseMarkup

Nov 18, 2025 · 10:15

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Communications and Technology

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Summary

On November 18, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a markup session to consider a large slate of 28 bills focused on telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity. Key legislation under review included the Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act, the WIRELESS Leadership Act, and the TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act. These bills collectively aim to streamline the deployment of broadband on federal and coastal lands, standardize fees for infrastructure projects, and ensure the security and reliability of wireless networks during natural disasters. As a subcommittee markup, the session focused on the technical language of the bills and potential amendments rather than outside witness testimony. The primary objective of these legislative efforts is to reduce regulatory barriers that slow down the expansion of high-speed internet, particularly in rural or underserved areas, while also addressing transparency in cable services and the resilience of emergency communication systems. Discussions during the markup centered on balancing federal oversight with local authority and ensuring that new infrastructure investments are both secure and cost-effective. Members examined how these policies might impact competition in the telecommunications market and the speed at which new 5G and fiber technologies can be deployed across the country. Following this hearing, the subcommittee must vote on whether to report these bills to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce. A markup is a critical step in the legislative process, but it does not guarantee that any of the 28 bills will be scheduled for a vote on the House floor or eventually become law.

Video

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Dec 3, 2025

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.

Dec 3, 2025

HearingHouseMarkup

Dec 3, 2025 · 15:00

Full Committee Markup

Committee

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

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Summary

On December 3, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup to consider 15 pieces of legislation spanning broadband deployment, energy policy, and housing standards. The bills advanced included measures to streamline broadband permitting and deployment on federal lands, such as the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act and the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, which aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in communications infrastructure deployment. The committee also considered energy-related bills, including the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, as well as the Affordable HOMES Act, which would repeal Department of Energy authority over manufactured housing energy efficiency standards and restore that authority to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Chairman Brett Guthrie emphasized the committee's focus on cutting regulatory red tape and lowering costs for American families. He noted concerns about Department of Energy efficiency regulations issued under the previous administration, stating that while energy efficiency is important, regulations should not be drafted to meet arbitrary standards with diminishing returns. The committee also highlighted the importance of closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access to drive American wireless and AI leadership. The markup resulted in the advancement of multiple bills to the full House. For example, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act passed by a vote of 49-0, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act passed 50-0, and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act passed 25-21. The bills now move to the full House for further consideration, though passage in the full committee does not guarantee they will advance further in the legislative process.

Video

Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-485.

Feb 4, 2026

Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-485.

Feb 4, 2026

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Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Lifecycle of the Bill

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Bill Information

Sponsors & Co-sponsors (2)

Policy Area

Legislative Subjects (5)

Committees (1)

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

CBO Cost Estimate

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video