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Requires executive branch agencies that process communications-use applications to implement data tracking, analyze delay causes, produce an annual report on those delays, and deploy staff alerts when an application risks missing a 270-day processing deadline. Also amends an existing FAST Act provision to add a new criterion that covers projects subject to NEPA review, projects involving broadband infrastructure construction, or projects likely to require more than $5,000,000 in total investment.
Amends Section 6409(b)(3) of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 by adding a new subparagraph (E) titled “Tracking and improving processing times.”
An executive agency shall develop controls to ensure that data is sufficiently accurate and complete to track the processing time for each application described in subparagraph (A).
With respect to factors that contribute to delays, an executive agency shall analyze the factors as the delays are occurring.
With respect to factors that contribute to delays, an executive agency shall take actions to address those factors.
With respect to factors that contribute to delays, an executive agency shall provide an annual report on the factors. (The provided text ends with “provide an annual report on the factors to—” and does not specify the recipient in the available excerpt.)
Primary effects:
Federal agencies that process communications-use applications will bear the operational burden of implementing data controls, analytics, annual reporting, and alert systems. This will likely require IT updates, staff training, and process changes. Agencies gain tools to monitor performance and address bottlenecks.
Applicants for communications licenses, permits, or other communications-use approvals (including broadband infrastructure developers and project sponsors) stand to benefit from clearer tracking, earlier detection of delays, and potentially faster processing if agencies act on the required analyses.
Projects subject to NEPA, projects involving broadband construction, and projects likely to cost over $5 million will be specifically captured by the newly inserted FAST Act criterion; that may affect how those projects are considered under programs or statutory processes tied to that law (for example, eligibility, prioritization, or procedural treatment).
Local communities where projects are built may see timelier decisions on communications and broadband projects, which can speed deployment of infrastructure and reduce wait times for service improvements.
Risks and resource implications:
Administrative compliance will impose costs on agencies (staff time, IT systems, and reporting processes). Because the text does not specify dedicated funding, agencies may need to reallocate existing resources to meet the new requirements.
The reform is procedural; measurable speed improvements depend on agencies' follow-through on analyses and corrective actions identified in their reports.
Overall, the legislation mainly changes agency procedures to increase transparency and timeliness for communications-related approvals and clarifies/expands a statutory criterion that affects larger or NEPA-covered broadband projects.
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S1581)
Introduced March 5, 2025 by John Thune · Last progress March 5, 2025
Amends 42 U.S.C. 4370m(6)(A) by striking the terminal 'or' at the end of clause (iii), redesignating existing clause (iv) as clause (v), and inserting a new clause (iv) that treats certain broadband infrastructure projects as covered projects if they are subject to NEPA, involve construction of broadband infrastructure, and are likely to require total investment of more than $5,000,000.
Adds a new subparagraph (E) to 47 U.S.C. 1455(b)(3) establishing requirements for tracking and improving processing times for communications-use applications, including data controls, analysis and remediation of delay factors, annual reporting, and an alerting method for applications at risk of missing the 270-day processing deadline.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (text: CR S1581)
Introduced in Senate
PLAN for Broadband Act