Analyst Brief March 10, 2026

H.R. 1665 — DIGITAL Applications Act

Current Status

Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources

Executive Summary

H.R. 1665 mandates the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to establish online portals for processing Form 299s, which are related to communications use authorizations. This aims to streamline the application and disposal process for these forms. The bill addresses inefficiencies in current procedures, potentially speeding up deployment of communications infrastructure on federal lands. It was reported from the Committee on Natural Resources.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mrs. Cammack

Bill Number

H.R. 1665

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

Ms. Matsui
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Argument 1: Streamlining the Form 299 process reduces bureaucratic delays, potentially accelerating the deployment of communications infrastructure, which can boost economic activity in rural areas.
  • Argument 2: Establishing online portals increases transparency and accessibility, making it easier for companies to navigate the authorization process and fostering a more competitive market.
  • Argument 3: Modernizing the application process aligns with broader efforts to digitize government services, improving efficiency and reducing administrative costs.
  • Argument 4: Bipartisan support can be garnered by framing this as a common-sense measure to improve government efficiency and promote broadband deployment.

Likely Supporters

Telecommunications companiesRural broadband advocates

Arguments Against

  • Argument 1: Opponents may argue that the bill creates unnecessary bureaucracy and could lead to increased costs for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.
  • Argument 2: Concerns may arise regarding the security of online portals and the potential for data breaches, requiring robust cybersecurity measures.
  • Argument 3: Environmental groups may raise concerns that streamlining the authorization process could lead to inadequate environmental reviews and potential harm to sensitive ecosystems.
  • Argument 4: Implementation challenges may arise due to the need for coordination between multiple agencies and the potential for technical difficulties in establishing and maintaining the online portals.

Likely Opponents

Environmental advocacy groupsSome government employee unions

📋 Key Provisions

  • Requires the Department of the Interior and Agriculture to establish online portals for Form 299s.
  • Sets a one-year deadline for establishing these online portals.
  • Mandates notification to the Assistant Secretary upon establishment of the portals.
  • Defines key terms such as 'communications use authorization' and 'covered land'.
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Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 2

The bill requires online portals for Form 299s.

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"to establish online portals to accept"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 11

The bill sets a one-year deadline for establishing the portals.

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"Not later than 1 year"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 20

The Assistant Secretary must be notified.

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"Secretary shall notify the Assistant"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 16

Form 299 is related to communications use authorizations.

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"Form 299 for communications use"

Claim Analysis Page 5, Line 3

Covered land includes public lands.

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"(A) public lands; and"