WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott joined colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives to introduce the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act. This legislation increases accountability and transparency in our federal government, particularly for the billions of dollars in taxpayer funds allocated for broadband expansion, which has failed to connect a single American to high-speed internet in the last four years. Senators John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, John Curtis, Dan Sullivan, Roger Wicker, Todd Young and Jerry Moran are cosponsors in the Senate. Congressmen August Pfluger is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Americans deserve to know exactly how the government is spending their money and that it’s in their best interests. With President Trump back in office and committed to bringing transparency to the federal government and cutting down on waste, fraud, and abuse, we must act now to finally bring much-needed accountability on how every tax dollar is being spent. Our Broadband Buildout Accountability Act will increase transparency and accountability for a $42 billion grant, intended to bring internet to rural communities but has YET to connect a single individual using those funds in the four years it has existed. That’s a failure to the American people, who expect a return on their dollars. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and make it crystal clear to Americans how their dollars are being spent.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Broadband gives internet access to Americans who need it most, especially in rural Tennessee. Transparency is crucial, and the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act will ensure that taxpayer money is spent with accountability and a return on investment.”

Senator John Curtis said, “Hardworking Americans deserve to know how and where their tax dollars are being spent, yet records concerning a $42 billion broadband deployment program remain off-limits to the public. What’s worse—the program has yet to connect a household to broadband since it started in 2022. By removing disclosure exemptions, our bill would ensure public access to documents that show where the money is going, who is getting it, and how it’s being used—helping to prevent waste, fraud, or mismanagement.”

Senator Jerry Moran said, “Creating accountability for funds that expand broadband access allows stakeholders, taxpayers and consumers the opportunity to see how distribution decisions are made. Rural Americans depend on access to reliable internet, and this legislation makes sure programs that support broadband expansion are transparent with how money is being allocated and spent.”

Senator Dan Sullivan said, “Broadband investments that I worked hard at securing for Alaska in the bipartisan infrastructure bill will continue to unlock limitless possibilities in terms of telehealth, education and small business opportunities, and importantly, allow Alaskans to connect with one another. This legislation provides the transparency and oversight needed to ensure that funds directed by Congress are spent on deploying broadband, furthering the goal of connecting all Alaskans.”

Senator Roger Wicker said, “Adequate access to high-speed broadband services is critical for connecting communities across Mississippi.  To achieve this goal, we must ensure that the federal funds are directed to underserved areas in a timely manner.  Increasing transparency and accountability in this important program should be something all members of Congress can support.”

Senator Todd Young said, “Our bill will provide much-needed transparency to ensure that broadband is effectively being deployed to unserved communities, helping to close the digital divide for all Americans.”

Congressman August Pfluger said, “It has become overwhelmingly clear that fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars ran rampant during the Biden Administration. It is up to Congress to restore transparency, efficiency, and trust back to the federal government. I am proud to work with Senator Rick Scott on this commonsense legislation. The Broadband Buildout Accountability Act will provide greater transparency within the BEAD process, help Congress reverse Biden Administration policies that slow down deployment, and ensure that the $42 billion in taxpayer dollars in broadband investments are being properly used to close the digital divide across America.”

###