On December 3, 2025, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a package of seven broadband-related bills aimed at accelerating deployment of the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Committee Chairman, Representative Brett Guthrie (R-KY) said the legislation is intended to address delays caused by “unpredictable timelines, duplicative reviews, and lack of transparency” that have slowed broadband buildout.
The following six bipartisan bills were advanced unanimously. These measures would increase federal tracking and oversight of deployment requests, streamline permitting application processes, and impose timelines for agency action to speed project approvals:
- H.R. 1343, Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
- H.R. 1588, Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
- H.R. 1665, DIGITAL Applications Act
- H.R. 1681, Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Act
- H.R. 1731, Standard FEES Act
- H.R. 6046, Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
The seventh measure, the Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289), advanced on a party-line vote (26–24) and would further accelerate deployment by limiting environmental review requirements and formalizing federal “shot clock” deadlines for permitting decisions.
Democrats opposed H.R. 2289, arguing that the bill weakens longstanding environmental protections; imposes unrealistic timelines on state, local, and tribal governments without sufficient resources; and risks automatic approvals that would reduce community input and oversight. During the November subcommittee markup, Democrats proposed amendments seeking to delay implementation until BEAD funds were fully distributed, remove automatic-approval provisions, or provide additional support for permitting authorities. All of the proposed amendments were rejected.
The broadband permitting package now heads to the House floor, though with limited session days remaining in December, it is uncertain whether the bills will receive consideration before the end of the year.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine.