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Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act

4/21/2026, 12:54 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1681

Bill 119 hr 1681, also known as the "Federal Land Access Act," aims to improve communication infrastructure on federal lands by establishing an interagency strike force led by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. This strike force will work to ensure that federal land management agencies prioritize the review of requests for communications use authorizations.

The bill emphasizes the importance of efficient and timely processing of requests for communication use authorizations on federal lands, including those managed by various organizational units within federal land management agencies. By establishing this interagency strike force, the bill seeks to streamline the authorization process and facilitate the deployment of communication infrastructure on federal lands.

In addition to prioritizing the review of authorization requests, the bill also aims to enhance coordination among federal land management agencies and promote collaboration with private sector entities involved in communication infrastructure development. By doing so, the bill seeks to improve access to reliable and high-quality communication services on federal lands, benefiting both the public and private sectors. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1681 seeks to address the challenges associated with communication infrastructure development on federal lands by establishing a dedicated interagency strike force to streamline the authorization process and promote collaboration among relevant stakeholders.

Congressional Summary of HR 1681

Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act

This bill establishes an interagency strike force to support federal land management agencies' review of requests for communications use authorizations. (A communications use authorization is required to modify or locate communications facilities on public lands.)

The strike force must (1) conduct periodic calls with strike force members to ensure that each agency prioritizes the review of requests for communications use authorizations, (2) establish goals for the review of the requests, and (3) monitor and facilitate agency accountability for meeting the established goals.

The bill specifies that the strike force must include the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the head of each federal land management agency, and other members designated by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior. The bill also requires the strike force to report to Congress regarding its effectiveness.

Current Status of Bill HR 1681

Bill HR 1681 is currently in the status of Passed in House since April 20, 2026. Bill HR 1681 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 27, 2025.  Bill HR 1681's most recent activity was Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. as of April 20, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1681

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1681

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

- Advisory bodies
- Congressional oversight
- Government buildings, facilities, and property
- Infrastructure development
- Intergovernmental relations
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Land use and conservation

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1681

To require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an interagency strike force to ensure that certain Federal land management agencies, including the organizational units of such agencies, prioritize the review of requests for communications use authorizations, and for other purposes.
To require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an interagency strike force to ensure that certain Federal land management agencies, including the organizational units of such agencies, prioritize the review of requests for communications use authorizations, and for other purposes.

Comments

Wrenlee Singleton profile image

Wrenlee Singleton

42,869

2 months ago

I am truly saddened by the lack of access to reliable broadband in many areas of the United States. This bill is a step in the right direction to help expedite the process of deploying broadband infrastructure, which is crucial for economic growth and educational opportunities. It is important for all Americans to have access to high-speed internet, regardless of where they live. This bill will have a positive impact on many individuals and communities, including myself. I hope that this legislation will help bridge the digital divide and create a more connected and prosperous society.