Sponsors (4)
Creates a transparent, funded FCC advisory forum to advance digital equity and support underserved communities and small communications businesses, at the cost of modest federal spending, added administrative burdens on the FCC, and a risk that appointments could politicize recommendations.
Historically underserved communities (rural residents, people of color, women, veterans, and people with disabilities) gain a formal FCC advisory forum to identify barriers and recommend policies to expand affordable, reliable communications services.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs in the communications sector get access to mentoring, capital and procurement-recommendation channels that could lower entry barriers and improve market opportunities.
The FCC’s equity efforts get greater transparency and modest funded advisory capacity (including an authorized $450,000 for FY2027) to support research, data development, public meetings, recommendations, and accountability for digital equity policy-making.
Consumers and affected communities may see recommendations shaped by stakeholder or partisan priorities if membership appointments become politicized, leading to policy outcomes that do not reflect broad public interest.
The FCC will face ongoing administrative and staff burdens to run the Council and public meetings, which could divert staff time and agency resources from other priorities.
The authorized $450,000 for FY2027 increases federal spending (a modest budgetary cost that could contribute to pressures if additional funding is requested later).
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates an FCC advisory council to advise on communications equity, access, deployment, small‑business entry, and diversity and authorizes $450,000 for FY2027.
Creates an advisory council inside the Federal Communications Commission to advise on expanding equitable access to communications services, helping historically underserved people, speeding deployment, supporting small-business entry, and promoting diversity of voices. The council will have 30–35 members appointed by the FCC Chair, meet publicly at least three times a year, produce public recommendations and records, be supported by an FCC staff Designated Federal Officer, and is authorized $450,000 for FY2027.
Introduced March 16, 2026 by Robert Menendez · Last progress March 16, 2026