MAP for Broadband Funding Act

The bill would require the Federal Communications Commission, working with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to collect data submitted by federal agencies for the Broadband Funding Map on a reasonable and timely basis, in order to promote efficient use of federal broadband funds and prevent duplicative spending. Within 270 days of enactment, the Commission would have to open a notice of inquiry examining the map's functionality, transparency, and data quality, covering issues such as whether more data categories should be added, whether third-party mapping data should be incorporated, and whether the map should be merged with other Commission mapping tools. Separately, the bill would require the Government Accountability Office to study and report to Congress, within 180 days of enactment, on federal agencies' progress maintaining the map, the Commission's management of it, and whether the Commission has enough authority to collect the data it needs. It does not create new funding programs or change who is eligible for broadband grants.

The Federal Communications Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which would face new data-coordination and reporting duties; other federal agencies that fund broadband projects, including the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Housing and Urban Development; and the Government Accountability Office, which would conduct the required study.

Better data on where federal broadband dollars are already being spent could help policymakers and local governments identify gaps or duplication in coverage, potentially improving how billions in existing broadband funding is targeted. The GAO report could also reveal whether agencies are falling short on their existing data-reporting obligations.

The FCC and NTIA would coordinate to ensure federal agencies submit required broadband funding data on time. The FCC would then run a formal notice-of-inquiry proceeding, which any Commissioner could delay by forcing a majority vote before it starts, examining data quality, third-party data integration, and tool consolidation. Separately, GAO would independently review agency compliance and Commission management, reporting findings and conclusions directly to the House Energy and Commerce and Senate Commerce Committees within set deadlines.