Congress to Take Up Broadband, Public Safety Bills Under Suspension-of-Rules
House to consider FirstNet reauthorization, USF vetting bill, and others.
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2026 – Congress will consider several broadband bills during the week of April 20, under suspension of the rules.
In the House, lawmakers will consider measures aimed at speeding federal permitting processes and addressing gaps in emergency communications, including a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.
House lawmakers are also scheduled to take up the Rural Broadband Protection Act. The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission establish a vetting process for applicants seeking support from its high-cost Universal Service Fund programs.
