Petroplex News

Congressman August Pfluger of Texas and Senator Rick Scott from Florida have introduced the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and safeguard taxpayer funds in broadband investments.

In 2023, the U.S. government allocated $42 billion to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package (BIF) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program grant. The National Technology Information Administration (NTIA), which manages this grant, is currently exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements. The new bill seeks to remove this exemption and mandate proof of expenditure for the $42 billion to prevent misuse of taxpayer money.

Congressman Pfluger stated, “It has become overwhelmingly clear that fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars ran rampant during the Biden Administration. It is up to Congress to restore transparency, efficiency, and trust back to the federal government. I am proud to work with Senator Rick Scott on this commonsense legislation. The Broadband Buildout Accountability Act will provide greater transparency within the BEAD process, help Congress reverse Biden Administration policies that slow down deployment, and ensure that the $42 billion in taxpayer dollars in broadband investments are being properly used to close the digital divide across America.”

Senator Scott added, “Americans deserve to know exactly how the government is spending their money and that it’s in their best interests. With President Trump back in office and committed to bringing transparency to the federal government and cutting down on waste, fraud, and abuse, we must act now to finally bring much-needed accountability on how every tax dollar is being spent. Our Broadband Buildout Accountability Act will increase transparency and accountability for a $42 billion grant intended to bring internet to rural communities but has YET to connect a single individual using those funds in the four years it has existed. That’s a failure to the American people who expect a return on their dollars. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and make it crystal clear to Americans how their dollars are being spent.”

The text of the legislation is available for public review.

House cosponsors include Representatives Buddy Carter from Georgia's 1st district, Neal Dunn from Florida's 2nd district, Troy Balderson from Ohio's 12th district, Randy Weber from Texas' 14th district, and Russ Fulcher from Idaho's 1st district.

Senate cosponsors comprise Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, John Curtis of Utah, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, Todd Young of Indiana, and Jerry Moran of Kansas.