Overview
Title
To appropriate funds for the Affordable Connectivity Program of the Federal Communications Commission.
ELI5 AI
In this bill, the government wants to give $7 billion to help people pay for the internet. This money can be used until it's all gone, but right now, there aren't any specific rules on how to spend it.
Summary AI
H.R. 6929, also known as the “Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024,” aims to allocate $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is part of the Federal Communications Commission. This funding will be available for fiscal year 2024 and will remain available until it is completely used. The bill was introduced by Ms. Clarke of New York along with several other members and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
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AnalysisAI
The proposed legislation, H.R. 6929, introduced in the House of Representatives on January 10, 2024, aims to allocate funds to the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program. This bill seeks to amend previous legislation to provide $7 billion for the program in fiscal year 2024, ensuring that the funds remain available until they are fully spent. The Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to enhance internet access, particularly for underserved communities.
General Summary of the Bill
The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 is straightforward in its intention: it aims to provide financial resources to continue and possibly expand the Affordable Connectivity Fund. The bill targets the provision of internet access to communities that may have limited connectivity options. By allocating $7 billion, it anticipates supporting this aim throughout the fiscal year of 2024 and beyond until all funds are utilized.
Summary of Significant Issues
Several issues are noted regarding the appropriation of such a substantial sum without explicit direction for its use. First, allocating $7 billion without specifying detailed initiatives may lead to concerns about possible inefficient or wasteful spending. This level of ambiguity is alarming given the scale of the funding and the public expectation of government accountability.
Second, the provision that these funds are to "remain available until expended" could result in a lack of urgency in deploying the resources effectively and timely. Without time constraints, there could be less motivation to ensure the prompt use of funds, thereby delaying the intended benefits to those in need.
Additionally, the absence of clear accountability or reporting requirements is another concern. Without mandated transparency and oversight mechanisms, there is a risk that the allocation could be mismanaged, diminishing its potential impact.
Impact on the Public
The primary objective of this bill is to improve internet connectivity for underserved populations. If implemented effectively, the funding could bridge significant gaps in digital access, enabling broader participation in the digital economy and ensuring access to essential online services. In the context of education, healthcare, and remote working, these improvements could be substantial, providing long-term benefits for widespread connectivity.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For households lacking reliable internet, this bill could positively impact access to educational resources, telehealth services, and employment opportunities. Businesses involved in telecommunications infrastructure may benefit from increased contracts and projects driven by this new funding. Conversely, without stringent oversight, there is a risk that stakeholders might exploit the funding for personal or political gain, leading to uneven or incomplete progress in improving connectivity.
Overall, while the objectives of H.R. 6929 are commendable, ensuring robust oversight and clear guidelines are crucial to maximize its benefits and achieve accountability in the deployment of public funds. These considerations will be essential in determining the overall success and impact of the legislation.
Issues
The appropriation of $7,000,000,000 without detailed initiatives or guidelines for the use of these funds, as noted in Section 2, may lead to questions about potential wasteful spending. This is a significant issue due to the substantial amount of funds involved and the public's interest in transparent and accountable use of taxpayer money.
The provision in Section 2 that funds are to 'remain available until expended' might lead to a lack of urgency or continuous expenditures without regular review. This could result in inefficient use of funds over time, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility.
Section 2 lacks any specified accountability or reporting requirements to ensure effective use of the appropriated funds. The absence of these mechanisms raises concerns about insufficient oversight and transparency in the management of public funds.
There is an absence of new mechanisms for monitoring or managing the distribution and utilization of these funds in Section 2. This may lead to concerns over financial oversight and the potential for mismanagement without proper checks and balances in place.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Act is officially titled the “Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024”, allowing it to be referred to by this name.
2. Appropriation for Affordable Connectivity Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section amends a previous law to specify that $7 billion is allocated to the Affordable Connectivity Fund for the year 2024. This money will remain available until it is fully used.