WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation introduced by Senate Majority Leader John Thune to speed the deployment of high-speed internet in rural communities has cleared a Senate committee.
The bill would cut red tape, increase transparency in the federal permitting process and help ensure broadband applications are processed within the 270-day deadline established by the Mobile Now Act.
Thune called the measure a “common sense bill” that would streamline broadband deployment and improve the efficiency of federal broadband investments.
The legislation addresses concerns raised by the Government Accountability Office, which previously found federal agencies were often failing to meet the 270-day deadline. Agencies cited complex environmental and historic preservation reviews, excessive fees and lengthy review periods as major causes of delays.
Following the committee vote, Thune said he looks forward to working toward final passage of the bill in the Senate.
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