Bills · HR 1588
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1588Broadcasting, cable, digital technologiesGovernment studies and investigations
Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
INTRO FEB 26· LAST ACTION FEB 4
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill is important because it tackles a major hurdle in expanding high-speed internet and reliable cell service across the country: the often slow and complex process of getting permits for infrastructure on federal lands. By requiring a detailed report on online application systems and their barriers, the bill seeks to expose specific bureaucratic slowdowns.
If this bill becomes law and leads to the creation of efficient online portals, it could significantly accelerate the deployment of broadband, bringing much-needed internet access to rural and remote communities. This improved connectivity can boost local economies, enhance educational opportunities, and strengthen emergency services. If the bill does not pass, the current, potentially inefficient, paper-based or inconsistent application processes for communications facilities on federal lands might continue, potentially delaying vital infrastructure development and leaving some communities underserved.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit regular reports to Congress.
Provides Congress with necessary information to understand the status and challenges of online permit applications for communications infrastructure.
PROVISION 02
The reports must detail whether the Departments of Interior and Agriculture have established online portals for Form 299, and identify any barriers to their establishment.
Directly addresses the core issue of permit processing efficiency and highlights specific obstacles to modernization.
PROVISION 03
The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture must notify the Assistant Secretary within three business days once their respective online portals are operational.
Ensures timely updates on the implementation of online systems, allowing the reporting requirement to conclude when portals are active.
PROVISION 04
Defines "communications use authorization" as permits for placing or modifying communications facilities on public lands and National Forest System land using Form 299.
Clearly specifies the types of permits, forms, and federal lands that are the focus of the bill's reporting requirements.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
54
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
8 EVENTSFEB 4
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-486, Part I.
DEC 3
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
DEC 3
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 50 - 0.
NOV 18
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1588
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
Last actionFeb 4, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 26, 2025
House BillHR 1588Broadcasting, cable, digital technologiesGovernment studies and investigations
Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act
INTRODUCED FEB 26, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 4, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
