H.R.1870 - Streamlining Program Efficiency and Expanding Deployment for BEAD Act; SPEED for BEAD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1870, the SPEED for BEAD Act, aims to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to improve the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The bill focuses on streamlining program efficiency and expanding broadband deployment. It addresses issues such as eligible community anchor institutions, fund usage, project size reform, and conditions on grants.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in faster and more efficient broadband deployment by removing certain restrictions and streamlining the grant process. It could also lead to broader access to gigabit-level broadband service for community anchor institutions. The changes to fund usage may redirect unused funds to the Treasury, and the prohibition on certain conditions could alter the types of projects funded.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to high-speed broadband for community anchor institutions.
- Streamlined grant processes, potentially leading to faster deployment.
- Greater flexibility for subgrantees in defining project areas.
- Prevents the imposition of certain conditions related to labor and climate change, potentially reducing project costs.
- Ensures all technologies are eligible for broadband deployment, promoting innovation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Removing conditions related to prevailing wages and union involvement may negatively impact worker conditions.
- Redirecting unused funds to the Treasury could reduce the overall investment in broadband deployment.
- The prohibition on considering climate change in project selection may lead to less environmentally sustainable projects.
- Changes to the program name from "Equity" to "Expansion" may shift focus away from equitable access for underserved communities.
- The emphasis on speed and deployment may overshadow the importance of affordability for low-income households.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting infrastructure development that facilitates interstate commerce through improved broadband access. The changes to grant conditions do not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights. The bill's focus on broadband deployment aligns with the general welfare clause of the preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).