Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-16

Introductory Statement on S. 5015

Infrastructure

Context

On 2026-07-16, Senator John Thune (R-SD) delivered a floor speech titled "Introductory Statement On S. 5015" in the Senate.

Full Text

Introductory Statement on S. 5015

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Fetterman, and Mrs. Fischer): S. 5015. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to review and evaluate the processes for updating maps that depict the extent of the availability of broadband internet access service in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Mr. Thune. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 5015 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers Act of 2026'' or the ``Broadband MAP Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. MAPPING PROCESS REVIEW AND EVALUATION. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Broadband internet access service.--The term ``broadband internet access service'' has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. (2) Broadband maps.--The term ``broadband maps'' means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)). (3) Broadband serviceable location.--The term ``broadband serviceable location'' means an area in the United States where a provider of broadband internet access service provides, or could provide, broadband internet access service. (4) Challenge process.--The term ``challenge process'' means the challenge process established pursuant to section 802(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(b)(5)). (5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to review and evaluate the processes for updating the broadband maps, including the challenge process. (c) Considerations.--In the rulemaking initiated under subsection (b), the Commission shall consider-- (1) the relative equities and burdens of any proposed changes to the broadband maps; (2) the impact of any proposed changes with respect to the use of the broadband maps when making funding decisions; (3) the impact of any changes proposed in that rulemaking on providers of broadband internet access service; and (4) ongoing Commission efforts relating to broadband mapping, the restoration of broadband serviceable locations, and the challenge process. ______

Referenced legislation: S5015

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Introductory Statement on S. 5015 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 116 (Thursday, July 16, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4139] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Fetterman, and Mrs. Fischer): S. 5015. A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to review and evaluate the processes for updating maps that depict the extent of the availability of broadband internet access service in the United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Mr. Thune. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: S. 5015 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Mapping Accurate Providers Act of 2026'' or the ``Broadband MAP Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. MAPPING PROCESS REVIEW AND EVALUATION. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Broadband internet access service.--The term ``broadband internet access service'' has the meaning given the term in section 8.1(b) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. (2) Broadband maps.--The term ``broadband maps'' means the maps created under section 802(c)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)). (3) Broadband serviceable location.--The term ``broadband serviceable location'' means an area in the United States where a provider of broadband internet access service provides, or could provide, broadband internet access service. (4) Challenge process.--The term ``challenge process'' means the challenge process established pursuant to section 802(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(b)(5)). (5) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission. (b) Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking to review and evaluate the processes for updating the broadband maps, including the challenge process. (c) Considerations.--In the rulemaking initiated under subsection (b), the Commission shall consider-- (1) the relative equities and burdens of any proposed changes to the broadband maps; (2) the impact of any proposed changes with respect to the use of the broadband maps when making funding decisions; (3) the impact of any changes proposed in that rulemaking on providers of broadband internet access service; and (4) ongoing Commission efforts relating to broadband mapping, the restoration of broadband serviceable locations, and the challenge process. ______ Referenced legislation: S5015