U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Thursday reintroduced the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. The legislation requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy to close the digital divide, as well as a plan to implement this strategy. Previous reports from the Government Accountability Office found that federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping. The office has recommended that the executive branch develop the national broadband strategy outlined in this bill. 

“Under the previous administration, broadband programs were utterly mismanaged, keeping resources out of the communities that need reliable internet connection the most. The PLAN for Broadband Act would prevent wasteful spending and help streamline communication and coordination between the agencies tasked with rolling out broadband initiatives,” Wicker said.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.