Broadband Buildout Accountability Act

# Broadband Buildout Accountability Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)—the federal agency overseeing broadband infrastructure funding—to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA allows the public and media to request and access federal government documents and records. Currently, some of the NTIA's decisions and actions related to the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program may not be subject to these disclosure requirements. **Who It Affects and Why It Matters** The bill would primarily affect the NTIA and the BEAD Program, which distributes billions in federal funding to expand broadband internet access across the country.

By making the program subject to FOIA, the bill aims to increase transparency and public accountability for how the government distributes this money and makes decisions about broadband expansion projects. Citizens, news organizations, and watchdog groups would have greater ability to examine government records related to the program. **Current Status** As of now, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.