Senate Approves Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Broadband Funding Map Oversight

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan MAP for Broadband Funding Act last Thursday, introduced by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), to improve oversight of the FCC’s Broadband Funding Map.

The legislation aims to ensure federal broadband funding is accurately tracked and directed to communities most in need while preventing duplicate spending. It requires the FCC to review the map’s accuracy and usability and directs the Government Accountability Office to assess whether federal agencies are reporting broadband funding data correctly.  

“I’ve spent years working to connect Nebraskans, and Americans across the country, with reliable internet access. The Broadband Funding Map is essential to that goal,” Fischer said. “This bill will help us make the most of broadband buildout while safeguarding taxpayer dollars. I’m committed to delivering this bill to the president’s desk.”

Fischer said the bill will help maximize broadband deployment efforts and protect taxpayer dollars, while Cortez Masto noted it will improve coordination among federal agencies to close the digital divide more efficiently.

The bill, introduced in July 2025, passed the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously in February 2026, before clearing the full Senate.