SUCCESS for BEAD Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6920
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-26T13:56:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The SUCCESS for BEAD Act amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to allow states and territories (known as "eligible entities") to use any leftover funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program for competitive subgrants. These subgrants aim to support and improve broadband deployment projects by funding infrastructure that enables artificial intelligence (AI), workforce training, public safety enhancements like upgraded 9-1-1 systems, and national security measures. The goal is to strengthen U.S. telecommunications networks, counter global competition (especially from China), and ensure reliable high-speed internet access.
Key Provisions
- New Definitions: Adds or clarifies terms in the IIJA, such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Refers to systems that perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, as defined in existing federal law.
- 9-1-1 request for emergency assistance: Any communication (e.g., voice, text, or multimedia) sent to request help from emergency services.
- Emergency communications center: A facility or public safety answering point that handles 9-1-1 calls, dispatches responders, and shares information.
- Interoperability: The ability of emergency systems to exchange data seamlessly across different devices, providers, and jurisdictions without proprietary (company-specific) barriers.
- Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1): An internet-based emergency system that supports multimedia requests, ensures secure data sharing, and uses industry-standard technical rules for compatibility.
- Internet exchange point: A neutral facility where networks connect to exchange internet traffic efficiently.
- Use of Remaining Funds: Eligible entities must use unspent BEAD allocations (after approving their main broadband plans) for a competitive subgrant program. Eligible projects include:
- Building fiber optic cables (lit or dark, meaning active or inactive lines available for wholesale use), conduits, internet exchange points, mobile wireless infrastructure, submarine cables, and facilities on educational or Tribal lands.
- Workforce training programs focused on shortages in telecommunications, AI, cybersecurity, and electrical sectors to support broadband deployment.
- Planning, implementing, or maintaining NG 9-1-1 systems in emergency centers.
- Data mapping, permitting streamlining, or other tools to speed up broadband projects.
- Non-competitive subgrants allowed for local workforce boards for training programs.
- Priorities and Restrictions:
- Subgrants prioritize projects in unserved or underserved areas (including Tribal lands), those boosting public safety/national security, workforce development, cybersecurity, connections to military or federal sites, and AI network integration.
- Prohibits funding for data centers primarily used for storing digital information.
- Allows up to 15% of subgrant funds for operations and maintenance for 24 months post-project.
- Requires a 25% match from subgrantees (can be waived or include in-kind contributions like donated labor), except for NG 9-1-1 projects.
- Enables multi-state agreements for projects crossing borders.
- Challenge Process for Fiber Projects: Before awarding subgrants for new fiber routes, eligible entities must post project details online for 14 days and allow public challenges claiming "overbuilding" (duplicating existing infrastructure). Challenges are valid only if the existing route is comparable in availability, price, and performance. Entities must review and decide within 30 days, publishing results for transparency.
- NG 9-1-1 Coordination: Eligible entities using funds for NG 9-1-1 must certify coordination with local emergency centers, designate a contact point, and create a plan ensuring interoperability, cybersecurity, and stakeholder input. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will oversee approvals, provide technical help, and promote best practices.
- Build America, Buy America Waiver: Preserves a 2024 federal waiver allowing flexibility in using non-U.S.-made materials for BEAD projects, preventing its revocation.
- Guidance and Implementation: NTIA must issue guidance within 30 days of enactment, coordinating with the Department of Labor for workforce aspects. It applies federal uniform rules for grants (e.g., audits and cost principles). Entities can return unused funds to the Treasury if desired.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amendments to IIJA Section 60102: Rearranges and expands definitions; simplifies reallocation rules for failed applications (removing broad reallocation authority); limits original subgrant uses (e.g., removes planning and adoption grants) to focus on remaining funds for new priorities.
- Shifts Focus of Remaining Funds: Previously, unspent BEAD funds could be reallocated broadly; now, they are mandatorily directed to competitive subgrants for AI, workforce, safety, and security projects, with specific processes like challenges and certifications.
- Preserves Waivers: Locks in the 2024 waiver on domestic content requirements, avoiding stricter "Buy American" rules that could delay projects.
- Adds Oversight for NG 9-1-1: Introduces federal coordination duties and certification requirements without altering existing definitions of service providers under FCC rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: NTIA gains new duties for guidance, approvals, and NG 9-1-1 oversight, potentially increasing workload but streamlining broadband efforts. State/local entities must manage subgrant programs, which could enhance emergency response but require new planning. Department of Labor will support workforce guidance.
- On Citizens: Improves internet access in rural/underserved areas, boosts job training in tech sectors, and upgrades 9-1-1 systems for faster, multimedia emergency help (e.g., sending photos during crises), enhancing public safety and economic opportunities.
- On International Relations: Aims to counter China's investments in AI and networks by prioritizing U.S. infrastructure resilience and tech leadership, potentially strengthening national security through secure military/federal connections and submarine cables.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible Entities: States, territories, and Washington, D.C., responsible for administering BEAD and new subgrants.
- Telecommunications Providers: Internet service providers, fiber builders, and mobile operators benefiting from infrastructure funding but facing challenge processes.
- Emergency Services: Local emergency communications centers and public safety agencies gaining NG 9-1-1 upgrades and coordination.
- Workforce and Education Groups: Local workforce boards, training programs, and educational facilities (especially on Tribal lands) receiving targeted funding.
- Federal Facilities: Military installations, national labs, and agencies like NOAA, with improved connectivity.
- Citizens and Communities: Residents in unserved areas, Tribal nations, and tech workers, plus broader public via enhanced safety and AI-enabled services.
- Industry and Competitors: AI firms, cybersecurity providers, and network operators supporting or challenging projects.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Introduces enforceable processes like public challenges and certifications, promoting transparency and preventing wasteful duplication without overriding FCC regulations on emergency providers. The preserved waiver avoids potential disputes over domestic sourcing under federal procurement laws.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports federal spending power for interstate commerce (broadband as economic infrastructure) and general welfare (public safety, workforce development), with Tribal land provisions respecting sovereignty.
- Political: Emphasizes U.S. competition with China, aligning with national security priorities; introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Republicans from Kentucky), it could foster consensus on tech investment but may spark debates on fund reallocation versus original BEAD goals for direct consumer broadband.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-12-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting U.S. Critical Connectivity and Economic Strategy and Security for BEAD Act — issued 2025-12-23 — PDF (28 pages)