Nine Senators reintroduced the Broadband Buildout Accountability Act to increase transparency for a $42 billion bipartisan Infrastructure Law broadband buildout grant awarded to the National Technology Information Administration (NTIA). This grant is currently exempt from transparency requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The measure would remove the FOIA exemption and require a full accounting of how taxpayer money is spent to ensure these dollars are not subjected to fraud, waste, or misuse.
“Americans deserve to know how the government is spending their money—especially on a $42 billion grant that will help get essential internet services to those that need it most,” said Rick Scott (R-FL), the bill’s main sponsor. “This is not the government’s money, it is the hard-earned dollars of American taxpayers and they should know exactly how every cent is being spent.”
Co-sponsors include: Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Lee (R-UT), Todd Young (R-IN), Roger Wicker (R-MS), John Thune (R-SD), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
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