summary
Introduced
01/23/2017
01/23/2017
In Committee
09/26/2018
09/26/2018
Crossed Over
01/30/2017
01/30/2017
Passed
Dead
12/31/2018
12/31/2018
Introduced Session
115th Congress
Bill Summary
Digital GAP Act Digital Global Access Policy Act of 2017 (Sec. 4) This bill states that it is U.S. policy to coordinate with foreign governments, international and regional organizations, businesses, and civil society to close the digital gap in developing countries. (Sec. 5) The President is urged to direct U.S. representatives to international bodies to advocate for: (1) increasing efforts to promote affordable and gender-equitable Internet access and integrating such access data into economic and business assessments, evaluations, and indexes; (2) standardizing inclusion of broadband conduit-fiber optic cables; (3) providing technical assistance to remove investment barriers and strengthen market growth; and (4) protecting human rights online. (Sec. 6) It is the sense of Congress that: (1) the Department of State should seek to enhance the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance efforts in carrying out the policies and objectives of this bill, including by redesignating an existing Assistant Secretary position in the State Department to be the Assistant Secretary for Cyberspace; and (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development should integrate efforts to expand Internet access and establish guidelines for the protection of personal information of individuals served by humanitarian, disaster, and development programs. (Sec.8) The Peace Corps Act is amended to express the sense of Congress that the Peace Corps should develop volunteer positions focused on leveraging technology for development, education, and social and economic mobility. (Sec. 9) The President shall transmit plans to Congress to promote U.S. and U.S.-funded agency partnerships with the private and public sectors to provide Internet access or infrastructure in developing countries. (Sec. 10) The President shall report to Congress on efforts to implement the policies specified in this bill.
AI Summary
This bill, the Digital GAP Act of 2017, establishes a policy for the United States to coordinate with foreign governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society to close the digital gap in developing countries. Key provisions include:
- Encouraging efforts to provide first-time internet access to at least 1.5 billion people in developing countries by 2020, through measures like promoting "build-once" policies for infrastructure and providing increased financial support.
- Advocating for international bodies to integrate affordable and gender-equitable internet access data into economic assessments and promote human rights online.
- Expressing the sense of Congress that the State Department should designate an Assistant Secretary for Cyberspace, and that USAID should integrate efforts to expand internet access into its development programs.
- Amending the Peace Corps Act to encourage the agency to develop volunteer positions focused on leveraging technology for development.
- Requiring the President to report to Congress on efforts to implement the policies in the bill, including plans to promote public-private partnerships for internet access.
The goal is to leverage US foreign policy and assistance to catalyze internet access as a driver of economic growth, social services, democracy, and human rights in the developing world.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 624. (on 10/05/2018)
Official Document
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