Broadband Buildout Accountability Act: Blocking Public Access to Program Info

The "Broadband Buildout Accountability Act" sounds good on the surface, but here's the catch: it's actually about limiting what the public can know about a major broadband program. Specifically, this bill exempts the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). That's a big deal because FOIA is how we, the people, can request and get information about how government programs are operating.

Secrecy by Default?

This bill means that details about how the BEAD program is run, who gets funding, and how decisions are made could be kept under wraps. The only exception mentioned is "5 U.S. Code § 552"—but without more specifics, it's hard to know what that really covers. Basically, it’s like saying, "Trust us, we're doing a good job," without letting anyone check the receipts. (SEC. 2)

Real-World Impact: Your Internet, Your Money

Imagine your town is promised faster internet. The BEAD program is involved, but you can't find out which companies are getting the contracts, how much they're being paid, or whether they're actually delivering. That's the potential reality under this bill. Whether you're a small business owner relying on internet access, a student doing online classes, or just someone who wants to stream your favorite shows without buffering, this lack of transparency should be a concern.

The Bigger Picture: Accountability Matters

This bill raises a red flag about government accountability. The BEAD program involves significant public funds, and FOIA is a key tool for ensuring that money is spent wisely and efficiently. By limiting access to information, this bill makes it harder to hold those in charge accountable for their decisions. While there might be arguments about streamlining the program, shielding it from public view isn’t the answer. It’s like a construction project with no blueprints available for public review—how can you know if it’s being built right?