WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., today introduced the “Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2019.” The legislation would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding to coordinate the distribution of federal funds for broadband deployment. Such an agreement would reduce overbuilding and ensure funds are targeted to unserved and underserved areas.

“Better coordination and information sharing among the federal agencies responsible for administering broadband deployment programs are essential parts of expanding availability,” Wicker said. “This legislation will ensure the federal government targets its efforts to those who need it most.”

“It’s critical that every family in America have access to broadband internet connection, no matter their zip code,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation will ensure that the Federal Communications Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration coordinate and share information on their broadband deployment efforts so federal funds are used effectively to target unserved and underserved areas.”

The Commerce Committee exercises jurisdiction over both the FCC and NTIA.

For the full bill text, click here.