S. 918 would prohibit the President or federal agencies from constructing, operating, or offering wholesale or retail service on a broadband network unless an act of Congress provides the authority to do so. In addition, the bill would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the potential threats facing U.S. broadband networks from certain foreign countries and adversaries and to report to the Congress on methods to reduce the vulnerabilities of those networks.
Based on the cost of similar activities, CBO estimates that the study and report would cost less than $500,000. Any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriations.