WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) reintroduced the Connecting And Building Lines for Expedited (CABLE) Expansion Act to enact clear approval process deadlines for franchise authorities relating to broadband projects. This legislation will expedite critical processes to remove roadblocks to rapid broadband expansion.

“Delays in the approval process are just one example of the roadblocks to expanding broadband access for Americans,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “I am pleased to introduce this critical legislation alongside my House Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues to remove barriers to broadband expansion and close the digital divide so that American families have the connectivity they need.”

“Many families and businesses across the country still lack access to broadband, which is a critical part of today’s economy,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. “Energy and Commerce is leading to remove regulatory red tape, deploy broadband faster, get Americans across the country connected, and close the digital divide once and for all. The legislative package we’re unveiling today will help us connect all Americans, and I commend Rep. Lesko for her leadership on the CABLE Expansion Act, which will help us achieve these goals.” 

Specifically, this bill streamlines the permitting process for cable operators that apply to a franchise authority to deploy new or collocated facilities for cable service. Additionally, the bill preserves local authority over siting facilities for cable service while establishing a “responsibility to respond” on franchising authorities and placing reasonable limits on aspects of such reviews, such as establishing criteria for denial and ensuring nondiscriminatory review requirements. The bill also establishes a timeline within which an application would be required to be approved or denied. If a request is not approved or denied with reason within the established timeframes, the request would automatically be deemed granted.

This legislation is part of a comprehensive package of bills released by Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that aim to turbocharge public and private investment by promoting new and upgraded infrastructure deployments, boosting competition, streamlining permitting processes, facilitating broadband deployment on federal lands, and closing the digital divide in both rural and urban areas.

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