Three Western Caucus Bills Pass through Suspension Today 

Washington, April 20, 2026 | Quinn Jenssen ((202) 738-0845)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed three pieces of legislation tracked by the Congressional Western Caucus and its Members. See below for statements from Chair Celeste Maloy and the bill sponsors about these wins.
  • H.R. 1681 – Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08)
  • H.R. 1343 – Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act - Representative August Pfluger (TX-11)
  • S. 98/H.R. 2399 – Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 - Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Representative Erin Houchin (IN-09)
“Real progress on closing the digital divide and bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the country. With faster approvals, greater transparency, and a strong commitment to rural America, we’re working to make sure no community is left behind in the digital age,” said Chair Celeste Maloy.

“It is time to close the digital divide and create a more connected future for all Americans, and the passage of my legislation today is a critical step to accomplishing this goal,” said Congressman August Pfluger. “By enhancing government accountability and accelerating broadband deployment, we're not just improving a process – we're investing in the future of our nation. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act will help ensure that investments in broadband expansion reach Americans more quickly and effectively.”

"Far too often, overburdensome federal regulations delay critical infrastructure projects—leaving rural communities behind. The Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act cuts through that red tape, speeds up approvals on federal lands, and helps ensure families and small businesses can access reliable, high-speed internet. I am proud to lead on this commonsense, bipartisan permitting reform legislation, and am thrilled to deliver this win for rural communities across Colorado and the country," said Congressman Gabe Evans. 


Legislative Digest

H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act 
Sponsor: Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08)
Co-sponsors:  Craig (MN-02), Vindman (VA-07)
Summary: Establishes an interagency strike force to assist in processing reviews for communication facilities projects on public lands by prioritizing such those reviews, and monitoring their progress when multiple agencies are involved. This strike force will be comprised of the head of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the head of each Federal land management agency, and two additional individuals from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.

H.R. 1343, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
Sponsor: Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)
Co-sponsors: Soto (FL-09), Landsman (OH-01)
Summary: Requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to submit to Congress a plan for the creation of a system to track applications for communication facility projects as they are worked through the review process.

S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
Sponsor: Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Co-sponsors: Klobuchar (D-MN), Curtis (R-UT), Peters (D-MI), Warnock (D-GA)
Summary: The FCC will be required to establish a vetting process for entities seeking to deploy and provide broadband services under the high-cost universal service program. This process must require the FCC to take into account an applicant's capabilities for deployment and broadband service, including their history of compliance with other government broadband funding programs.

The House companion for this legislation is H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025, sponsored by Rep. Erin Houchin (IN-09). H.R. 2399 was unanimously passed out of the House of Representatives on April 28, 2025.

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