A bill to establish grant programs for the development of telecommunications capacities in Indian country.
Native American Connectivity Act - Establishes within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration a Native American telecommunications block grant program to provide grants on a competitive basis to an Indian tribe or organization, tribal college or university, or institution of higher education acting jointly with an Indian tribe to carry out activities for the development of telecommunications capacities in Indian country.
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to provide training and technical assistance grants to: (1) facilitate local use and maintenance of new telecommunications technologies; (2) develop and implement telecommunications and information technology work study programs and related education, development, planning, and management programs; (3) develop a training program for telecommunications employees; or (4) provide assistance to students who participate in programs under (2), above.
Provides for: (1) fiscal year block grant set-asides for the training and technical assistance grants; (2) Comptroller General audits of grant fund uses; (3) environmental compliance in the development of telecommunications facilities; and (4) remedies for noncompliance with block grant requirements.
Directs the Secretary to report annually to Congress on progress made in accomplishing this Act's objectives, the use of grant funds, and an evaluation of the status of telephone, Internet, and personal computer penetration among Indian households.
Authorizes appropriations.
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S4842-4843)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4843-4844)
Committee on Indian Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 108-592.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Campbell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-335.
Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Campbell with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 108-335.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 691.
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