American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025

Last action on Apr 15, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 532.

Summary

The Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act would exclude certain modifications to existing wireless towers and base stations from lengthy federal environmental and historic preservation review processes. Specifically, projects involving collocating, removing, or replacing transmission equipment on existing towers would no longer be classified as major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act or undertakings under the National Historic Preservation Act, thereby exempting them from the reviews those laws typically require.

If enacted, this bill could accelerate broadband infrastructure expansion by reducing regulatory delays for wireless carriers upgrading or modifying existing tower equipment. Citizens in underserved areas might see faster deployment of improved wireless services. However, the exemption could potentially reduce public input opportunities and environmental oversight for these projects, depending on how the modifications affect local communities and sensitive areas.

The bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House, though it has not yet been enacted into law.

Lifecycle of the Bill

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Mar 24, 2025

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Nov 18, 2025

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 12.

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: 26 - 24.

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 (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-614, Part I.

Apr 15, 2026

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-614, Part I.

Apr 15, 2026

Committee on Natural Resources discharged.

Apr 15, 2026

HearingHouseMeeting

Apr 20, 2026 · 16:00

H.R. 2289 – American Broadband Deployment Act of 2026; H.R. 4690 – Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act; H.R. 5587 – Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026; H.R. 1897 – ESA Amendments Act of 2025; H. Res. ____ – Expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of United States energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability, and recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of those vital communities.

Committee

House Committee on Rules

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Summary

On April 20, 2026, the House Committee on Rules held a hearing to establish the parameters for floor debate on a series of legislative measures aimed at supporting rural communities and streamlining federal regulations. The primary focus of the session included H.R. 2289, the American Broadband Deployment Act, which seeks to accelerate the rollout of high-speed internet, and H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act. Additionally, the committee examined H.R. 5587, the HEATS Act, regarding geothermal energy, and H.R. 1897, which proposes amendments to the Endangered Species Act. The hearing also addressed a House Resolution formally recognizing the role of rural communities as essential providers of food, energy, and economic stability. While no specific witnesses were listed for this procedural meeting, the committee's work is a critical step in the legislative process. The Rules Committee is responsible for determining which amendments will be allowed and how much time will be allotted for debate when these bills reach the full House of Representatives. Discussions during such sessions typically revolve around the balance between industrial development and environmental protections. Proponents of these bills often argue for reducing bureaucratic hurdles to spur economic growth, while critics may raise concerns about the impact on federal oversight and conservation efforts. This hearing serves as a gateway for the legislation; however, the committee's decision to move forward does not guarantee that the bills will ultimately be passed into law by Congress.

American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Committee

Summary

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Committee

Summary

Cosponsors (14)

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

House Committee on Natural Resources

CBO Cost Estimate

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American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Committee

Summary

Lifecycle of the Bill

C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills

Committee

Summary

Video

Full Committee Markup

Committee

Summary

Video

Committee

Summary

Bill Information

Sponsors & Co-sponsors (15)

Cosponsors (14)

Policy Area

Legislative Subjects (6)

Committees (2)

House Committee on Energy and Commerce

House Committee on Natural Resources

CBO Cost Estimate

CBO Cost Estimate