,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #ddhf ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,september #be1 #bjai,mr4 ,mc,nerney 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,lujn1 and ,ms4 ,clarke of ,new ,york7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce ,a ,,bill ,to require the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,communications and ,information to establish a ,state ,digital ,equity ,capacity ,grant ,program1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,digital ,equity ,act of #bjai4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,adoption of broadband ,the term adoption of broadband means the process by which an individual obtains daily access to the internet-- 7,a7 at a speed1 quality1 and capacity-- 7i7 that is necessary for the individual to accomplish common tasks2 and 7ii7 such that the access qualifies as an advanced telecommunications capability2 7,b7 with the digital skills that are necessary for the individual to participate online2 and 7,c7 on a-- 7i7 personal device2 and 7ii7 secure and convenient network4 7#b7 ,advanced telecommunications capability ,the term advanced telecommunications capability has the meaning given the term in section #gjf7;d7 of the ,telecommunications ,act of #aiif 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #acjb7;d774 7#c7 ,aging individual ,the term aging individual has the meaning given the term older individual in section #ajb of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjjb74 7#d7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 7,b7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate2 7,c7 the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives2 and 7,d7 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#e7 ,assistant ,secretary ,the term ,assistant ,secretary means the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,communications and ,information4 7#f7 ,community anchor institution ,the term community anchor institution means a public school1 a library1 a medical or healthcare provider1 a community college or other institution of higher education1 a ,state library agency1 and any other nonprofit or governmental community support organization4 7#g7 ,covered household ,the term covered household means a household1 the taxable income of which for the most recently completed taxable year is not more than #aej percent of an amount equal to the poverty level1 as determined by using criteria of poverty established by the ,bureau of the ,census4 7#h7 ,covered populations ,the term covered populations means-- 7,a7 individuals who live in covered households2 7,b7 aging individuals2 7,c7 incarcerated individuals1 other than individuals who are incarcerated in a ,federal correctional facility2 7,d7 veterans2 7,e7 individuals with disabilities2 7,f7 individuals with a language barrier1 including individuals who-- 7i7 are ,english learners2 and 7ii7 have low levels of literacy2 7,g7 individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group2 and 7,h7 individuals who primarily reside in a rural area4 7#i7 ,covered programs ,the term covered programs means the ,state ,digital ,equity ,capacity ,grant ,program established under section #d and the ,digital ,equity ,competitive ,grant ,program established under section #e4 7#aj7 ,digital equity ,the term digital equity means the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the ,united ,states4 7#aa7 ,digital inclusion ,the term digital inclusion-- 7,a7 means the activities that are necessary to ensure that all individuals in the ,united ,states have access to1 and the use of1 affordable information and communication technologies1 such as-- 7i7 reliable broadband internet service2 7ii7 internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user2 and 7iii7 applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency1 participation1 and collaboration2 and 7,b7 includes-- 7i7 obtaining access to digital literacy training2 7ii7 the provision of quality technical support2 and 7iii7 obtaining basic awareness of measures to ensure online privacy and cybersecurity4 7#ab7 ,digital literacy ,the term digital literacy means the skills associated with using technology to enable users to find1 evaluate1 organize1 create1 and communicate information4 7#ac7 ,disability ,the term disability has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,americans with ,disabilities ,act of #aiij 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #abajb74 7#ad7 ,eligible ,state ,the term eligible ,state means-- 7,a7 with respect to planning grants made available under section #d7;c77#c71 a ,state with respect to which the ,assistant ,secretary has approved an application submitted to the ,assistant ,secretary under section #d7;c77#c77;,c72 and 7,b7 with respect to capacity grants awarded under section #d7;d71 a ,state with respect to which the ,assistant ,secretary has approved an application submitted to the ,assistant ,secretary under section #d7;d77#b71 including approval of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan developed by the ,state under section #d7;c74 7#ae7 ,gender identity ,the term gender identity has the meaning given the term in section #bdi7;c7 of title #ah1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#af7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section #d7;e7 of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd7;e774 7#ag7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education-- 7,a7 has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja72 and 7,b7 includes a postsecondary vocational institution4 7#ah7 ,local educational agency ,the term local educational agency has the meaning given the term in section #haja7cj7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja7cj774 7#ai7 ,postsecondary vocational institution ,the term postsecondary vocational institution has the meaning given the term in section #ajb7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c774 7#bj7 ,rural area ,the term rural area has the meaning given the term in section #fja7;b77#c7 of the ,rural ,electrification ,act of #aicf 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #iej;bb7b77#c774 7#ba7 ,socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern ,the term socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern has the meaning given the term in section #h7;a77#d7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;a77#d774 7#bb7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 any ,state of the ,united ,states2 7,b7 the ,district of ,columbia2 and 7,c7 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico4 7#bc7 ,veteran ,the term veteran has the meaning given the term in section #aja of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#bd7 ,workforce development program ,the term workforce development program has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cajb74 #c4 ,sense of ,congress ,it is the sense of ,congress that-- 7#a7 a broadband connection and digital literacy are increasingly critical to how individuals-- 7,a7 participate in the society1 economy1 and civic institutions of the ,united ,states2 and 7,b7 access health care and essential services1 obtain education1 and build careers2 7#b7 digital exclusion-- 7,a7 carries a high societal and economic cost2 7,b7 materially harms the opportunity of an individual with respect to the economic success1 educational achievement1 positive health outcomes1 social inclusion1 and civic engagement of that individual2 and 7,c7 exacerbates existing wealth and income gaps1 especially those experienced by covered populations2 7#c7 achieving digital equity for all people of the ,united ,states requires additional and sustained investment and research efforts2 7#d7 the ,federal ,government1 as well as ,state1 tribal1 territorial1 and local governments1 have made social1 legal1 and economic obligations that necessarily extend to how the citizens and residents of those governments access and use the internet2 and 7#e7 achieving digital equity is a matter of social and economic justice and is worth pursuing4 #d4 ,state ,digital ,equity ,capacity ,grant ,program 7a7 ,establishment2 purpose 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall establish in the ,department of ,commerce the ,state ,digital ,equity ,capacity ,grant ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program7-- 7,a7 the purpose of which is to promote the achievement of digital equity1 support digital inclusion activities1 and build capacity for efforts by ,states relating to the adoption of broadband by residents of those ,states2 7,b7 through which the ,assistant ,secretary shall make grants to ,states in accordance with the requirements of this section2 and 7,c7 which shall ensure that ,states have the capacity to promote the achievement of digital equity and support digital inclusion activities4 7#b7 ,consultation with other ,federal agencies2 no conflict ,in establishing the ,program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 consult with-- 7i7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 7ii7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7iii7 the ,secretary of ,education2 7iv7 the ,secretary of ,labor2 7v7 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services2 7vi7 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs2 7vii7 the ,secretary of the ,interior2 7viii7 the ,federal ,communications ,commission2 7ix7 the ,federal ,trade ,commission2 7x7 the ,director of the ,institute of ,museum and ,library ,services2 7xi7 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration2 7xii7 the ,federal ,cochairman of the ,appalachian ,regional ,commission2 and 7xiii7 the head of any other agency that the ,assistant ,secretary determines to be appropriate2 and 7,b7 ensure that the ,program complements and enhances1 and does not conflict with1 other ,federal broadband initiatives and programs4 7b7 ,administering entity 7#a7 ,selection2 function ,the governor 7or equivalent official7 of a ,state that wishes to be awarded a grant under this section shall1 from among entities that are eligible under paragraph 7#b71 select an administering entity for that ,state1 which shall-- 7,a7 serve as the recipient of1 and administering agent for1 any grant awarded to the ,state under this section2 7,b7 develop1 implement1 and oversee the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan for the ,state described in subsection 7c72 7,c7 make subgrants to any entity described in subsection 7c77#a77;,d7 that is located in the ,state in support of-- 7i7 the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan for the ,state2 and 7ii7 digital inclusion activities in the ,state generally2 and 7,d7 serve as-- 7i7 an advocate for digital equity policy and digital inclusion activities2 and 7ii7 a repository of best practice materials regarding the policies and activities described in clause 7i74 7#b7 ,eligible entities ,any of the following entities may serve as the administering entity for a ,state for the purposes of this section if the entity has demonstrated a capacity to administer the ,program on a statewide level3 7,a7 ,the ,state1 a political subdivision1 agency1 or instrumentality of the ,state1 an ,indian tribe located in the ,state1 an ,alaska ,native entity located in the ,state1 or a ,native ,hawaiian organization located in the ,state4 7,b7 ,a foundation1 corporation1 institution1 association1 or coalition that is-- 7i7 a not-for-profit entity2 7ii7 located in the ,state2 and 7iii7 not a school4 7,c7 ,a community anchor institution1 other than a school1 that is located in the ,state4 7,d7 ,a local educational agency that is located in the ,state4 7,e7 ,an entity located in the ,state that carries out a workforce development program4 7,f7 ,an agency of the ,state that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities in the ,state4 7,g7 ,a public housing authority that is located in the ,state4 7,h7 ,a partnership between any of the entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g74 7c7 ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan 7#a7 ,development2 contents ,a ,state that wishes to be awarded a grant under subsection 7d7 shall develop a ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan for the ,state1 which shall include-- 7,a7 the identification of the barriers to digital equity faced by covered populations in the ,state2 7,b7 measurable objectives for documenting and promoting1 among each group described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,h7 of section #b7h7 located in that ,state-- 7i7 the availability of1 and affordability of access to1 broadband technology2 7ii7 the online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services2 7iii7 digital literacy2 7iv7 awareness of1 and the use of1 measures to secure the online privacy of1 and cybersecurity with respect to1 an individual2 and 7v7 the availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices2 7,c7 an assessment of how the objectives described in subparagraph 7,b7 will impact and interact with the ,state's-- 7i7 economic and workforce development goals1 plans1 and outcomes2 7ii7 educational outcomes2 7iii7 health outcomes2 7iv7 civic and social engagement2 and 7v7 delivery of other essential services2 7,d7 in order to achieve the objectives described in subparagraph 7,b71 a description of how the ,state plans to collaborate with key stakeholders in the ,state1 which may include-- 7i7 community anchor institutions2 7ii7 county and municipal governments2 7iii7 local educational agencies2 7iv7 where applicable1 ,indian tribes1 ,alaska ,native entities1 or ,native ,hawaiian organizations2 7v7 nonprofit organizations2 7vi7 organizations that represent-- 7,i7 individuals with disabilities1 including organizations that represent children with disabilities2 7,,ii7 aging individuals2 7,,iii7 individuals with language barriers1 including-- 7aa7 individuals who are ,english learners2 and 7bb7 individuals who have low levels of literacy2 7,,iv7 veterans2 and 7,v7 individuals in that ,state who are incarcerated in facilities other than ,federal correctional facilities2 7vii7 civil rights organizations2 7viii7 entities that carry out workforce development programs2 7ix7 agencies of the ,state that are responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities in the ,state2 7x7 public housing authorities in the ,state2 and 7xi7 a partnership between any of the entities described in clauses 7i7 through 7x72 and 7,e7 a list of organizations with which the administering entity for the ,state collaborated in developing and implementing the ,plan4 7#b7 ,public availability 7,a7 ,in general ,the administering entity for a ,state shall make the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state available for public comment for a period of not less than #cj days before the date on which the ,state submits an application to the ,assistant ,secretary under subsection 7d77#b74 7,b7 ,consideration of comments received ,the administering entity for a ,state shall1 with respect to an application submitted to the ,assistant ,secretary under subsection 7d77#b7-- 7i7 before submitting the application-- 7,i7 consider all comments received during the comment period described in subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to the application 7referred to in this subparagraph as the comment period72 and 7,,ii7 make any changes to the plan that the administering entity determines to be worthwhile2 and 7ii7 when submitting the application-- 7,i7 describe any changes pursued by the administering entity in response to comments received during the comment period2 and 7,,ii7 include a written response to each comment received during the comment period4 7#c7 ,planning grants 7,a7 ,in general ,beginning in the first fiscal year that begins after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall1 in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph1 award planning grants to ,states for the purpose of developing the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plans of those ,states under this subsection4 7,b7 ,eligibility ,in order to be awarded a planning grant under this paragraph1 a ,state-- 7i7 shall submit to the ,assistant ,secretary an application under subparagraph 7,c72 and 7ii7 may not have been awarded1 at any time1 a planning grant under this paragraph4 7,c7 ,application ,a ,state that wishes to be awarded a planning grant under this paragraph shall1 not later than #fj days after the date on which the notice of funding availability with respect to the grant is released1 submit to the ,assistant ,secretary an application1 in a format to be determined by the ,assistant ,secretary1 that contains the following materials3 7i7 ,a description of the entity selected to serve as the administering entity for the ,state1 as described in subsection 7b74 7ii7 ,a certification from the ,state that1 not later than #a year after the date on which the ,assistant ,secretary awards the planning grant to the ,state1 the administering entity for that ,state shall develop a ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan under this subsection1 which-- 7,i7 the administering entity shall submit to the ,assistant ,secretary2 and 7,,ii7 shall comply with the requirements of this subsection1 including the requirement under paragraph 7#b77;,b74 7iii7 ,the assurances required under subsection 7e74 7,d7 ,awards 7i7 ,amount of grant ,a planning grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this paragraph shall be determined according to the formula under subsection 7d77#c77;,a77i74 7ii7 ,duration 7,i7 ,in general ,except as provided in subclause 7,,ii71 with respect to a planning grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this paragraph1 the ,state shall expend the grant funds during the #a-year period beginning on the date on which the ,state is awarded the grant funds4 7,,ii7 ,exception ,the ,assistant ,secretary may grant an extension of not longer than #ahj days with respect to the requirement under subclause 7,i74 7iii7 ,challenge mechanism ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall ensure that any eligible ,state to which a planning grant is awarded under this paragraph may appeal or otherwise challenge in a timely fashion the amount of the grant awarded to the ,state1 as determined under clause 7i74 7,e7 ,use of funds ,an eligible ,state to which a planning grant is awarded under this paragraph shall1 through the administering entity for that ,state1 use the grant funds only for the following purposes3 7i7 ,to develop the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state under this subsection4 7ii7 7,i7 ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 to make subgrants to any of the entities described in paragraph 7#a77;,d7 to assist in the development of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state under this subsection4 7,,ii7 ,if the administering entity for a ,state makes a subgrant described in subclause 7,i71 the administering entity shall1 with respect to the subgrant1 provide to the ,state the assurances required under subsection 7e74 7d7 ,state capacity grants 7#a7 ,in general ,beginning not later than #b years after the date on which the ,assistant ,secretary begins awarding planning grants under subsection 7c77#c71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall each year award grants to eligible ,states to support-- 7,a7 the implementation of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plans of those ,states2 and 7,b7 digital inclusion activities in those ,states4 7#b7 ,application ,a ,state that wishes to be awarded a grant under this subsection shall1 not later than #fj days after the date on which the notice of funding availability with respect to the grant is released1 submit to the ,assistant ,secretary an application1 in a format to be determined by the ,assistant ,secretary1 that contains the following materials3 7,a7 ,a description of the entity selected to serve as the administering entity for the ,state1 as described in subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of that ,state1 as described in subsection 7c74 7,c7 ,a certification that the ,state1 acting through the administering entity for the ,state1 shall-- 7i7 implement the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state2 and 7ii7 make grants in a manner that is consistent with the aims of the ,plan described in clause 7i74 7,d7 ,the assurances required under subsection 7e74 7,e7 ,in the case of a ,state to which the ,assistant ,secretary has previously awarded a grant under this subsection1 any amendments to the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of that ,state1 as compared with the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state previously submitted4 7#c7 ,awards 7,a7 ,amount of grant 7i7 ,formula ,subject to clauses 7ii71 7iii71 and 7iv71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall calculate the amount of a grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this subsection in accordance with the following criteria1 using the best available data for all ,states for the fiscal year in which the grant is awarded3 7,i7 #ej percent of the total grant amount shall be based on the population of the eligible ,state in proportion to the total population of all eligible ,states4 7,,ii7 #be percent of the total grant amount shall be based on the number of individuals in the eligible ,state who are covered populations in proportion to the total number of individuals in all eligible ,states who are covered populations4 7,,iii7 #be percent of the total grant amount shall be based on the comparative lack of availability and adoption of broadband in the eligible ,state in proportion to the lack of availability and adoption of broadband of all eligible ,states1 which shall be determined according to data collected from-- 7aa7 the annual inquiry of the ,federal ,communications ,commission conducted under section #gjf7;b7 of the ,telecommunications ,act of #aiif 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #acjb7;b772 7bb7 the ,american ,community ,survey or1 if necessary1 other data collected by the ,bureau of the ,census2 7cc7 the ,internet and ,computer ,use ,supplement to the ,current ,population ,survey of the ,bureau of the ,census2 and 7dd7 any other source that the ,assistant ,secretary1 after appropriate notice and opportunity for public comment1 determines to be appropriate4 7ii7 ,minimum award ,the amount of a grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this subsection in a fiscal year shall be not less than #j4e percent of the total amount made available to award grants to eligible ,states for that fiscal year4 7iii7 ,additional amounts ,if1 after awarding planning grants to ,states under subsection 7c77#c7 and capacity grants to eligible ,states under this subsection in a fiscal year1 there are amounts remaining to carry out this section1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall distribute those amounts-- 7,i7 to eligible ,states to which the ,assistant ,secretary has awarded grants under this subsection for that fiscal year2 and 7,,ii7 in accordance with the formula described in clause 7i74 7iv7 ,data unavailable ,if1 in a fiscal year1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico 7referred to in this clause as ,puerto ,rico7 is an eligible ,state and specific data for ,puerto ,rico is unavailable for a factor described in subclause 7,i71 7,,ii71 or 7,,iii7 of clause 7i71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall use the median data point with respect to that factor among all eligible ,states and assign it to ,puerto ,rico for the purposes of making any calculation under that clause for that fiscal year4 7,b7 ,duration ,with respect to a grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this subsection1 the eligible ,state shall expend the grant funds during the #e-year period beginning on the date on which the eligible ,state is awarded the grant funds4 7,c7 ,challenge mechanism ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall ensure that any eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this subsection may appeal or otherwise challenge in a timely fashion the amount of the grant awarded to the ,state1 as determined under subparagraph 7,a74 7,d7 ,use of funds ,the administering entity for an eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this subsection shall use the grant amounts for the following purposes3 7i7 7,i7 ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 to update or maintain the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state4 7,,ii7 ,an administering entity for an eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this subsection may use not more than #bj percent of the amount of the grant for the purpose described in subclause 7,i74 7ii7 ,to implement the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state4 7iii7 7,i7 ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 to award a grant to any entity that is described in section #e7;b7 and is located in the eligible ,state in order to-- 7aa7 assist in the implementation of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state2 7bb7 pursue digital inclusion activities in the ,state consistent with the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state2 and 7cc7 report to the ,state regarding the digital inclusion activities of the entity4 7,,ii7 ,before an administering entity for an eligible ,state may award a grant under subclause 7,i71 the administering entity shall require the entity to which the grant is awarded to certify that-- 7aa7 the entity shall carry out the activities required under items 7aa71 7bb71 and 7cc7 of that subclause2 7bb7 the receipt of the grant shall not result in unjust enrichment of the entity2 and 7cc7 the entity shall cooperate with any evaluation-- 7,,aa7 of any program that relates to a grant awarded to the entity2 and 7,,bb7 that is carried out by or for the administering entity1 the ,assistant ,secretary1 or another ,federal official4 7iv7 7,i7 ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 to evaluate the efficacy of the efforts funded by grants made under clause 7iii74 7,,ii7 ,an administering entity for an eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this subsection may use not more than #e percent of the amount of the grant for a purpose described in subclause 7,i74 7v7 7,i7 ,subject to subclause 7,,ii71 for the administrative costs incurred in carrying out the activities described in clauses 7i7 through 7iv74 7,,ii7 ,an administering entity for an eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this subsection may use not more than #c percent of the amount of the grant for a purpose described in subclause 7,i74 7e7 ,assurances ,when applying for a grant under this section1 a ,state shall include in the application for that grant assurances that-- 7#a7 if an entity described in section #e7;b7 is awarded grant funds under this section 7referred to in this subsection as a covered recipient71 provide that-- 7,a7 the covered recipient shall use the grant funds in accordance with any applicable statute1 regulation1 and application procedure2 7,b7 the administering entity for that ,state shall adopt and use proper methods of administering any grant that the covered recipient is awarded1 including by-- 7i7 enforcing any obligation imposed under law on any agency1 institution1 organization1 or other entity that is responsible for carrying out the program to which the grant relates2 7ii7 correcting any deficiency in the operation of a program to which the grant relates1 as identified through an audit or another monitoring or evaluation procedure2 and 7iii7 adopting written procedures for the receipt and resolution of complaints alleging a violation of law with respect to a program to which the grant relates2 and 7,c7 the administering entity for that ,state shall cooperate in carrying out any evaluation-- 7i7 of any program that relates to a grant awarded to the covered recipient2 and 7ii7 that is carried out by or for the ,assistant ,secretary or another ,federal official2 7#b7 the administering entity for that ,state shall-- 7,a7 use fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that ensure the proper disbursement of1 and accounting for1 any ,federal funds that the ,state is awarded under this section2 7,b7 submit to the ,assistant ,secretary any reports that may be necessary to enable the ,assistant ,secretary to perform the duties of the ,assistant ,secretary under this section2 7,c7 maintain any records and provide any information to the ,assistant ,secretary1 including those records1 that the ,assistant ,secretary determines is necessary to enable the ,assistant ,secretary to perform the duties of the ,assistant ,secretary under this section2 and 7,d7 with respect to any significant proposed change or amendment to the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan for the ,state1 make the change or amendment available for public comment in accordance with subsection 7c77#b72 and 7#c7 the ,state1 before submitting to the ,assistant ,secretary the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state1 has complied with the requirements of subsection 7c77#b74 7f7 ,termination of grant 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall terminate a grant awarded to an eligible ,state under this section if1 after notice to the ,state and opportunity for a hearing1 the ,assistant ,secretary-- 7,a7 presents to the ,state a rationale and supporting information that clearly demonstrates that-- 7i7 the grant funds are not contributing to the development or execution of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state1 as applicable2 and 7ii7 the ,state is not upholding assurances made by the ,state to the ,assistant ,secretary under subsection 7e72 and 7,b7 determines that the grant is no longer necessary to achieve the original purpose for which ,assistant ,secretary awarded the grant4 7#b7 ,redistribution ,if the ,assistant ,secretary1 in a fiscal year1 terminates a grant under paragraph 7#a71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall redistribute the unspent grant amounts-- 7,a7 to eligible ,states to which the ,assistant ,secretary has awarded grants under subsection 7d7 for that fiscal year2 and 7,b7 in accordance with the formula described in subsection 7d77#c77;,a77i74 7g7 ,reporting and information requirements2 ,internet disclosure ,the ,assistant ,secretary-- 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 require any entity to which a grant1 including a subgrant1 is awarded under this section to publicly report1 for each year during the period described in subsection 7c77#c77;,d77ii7 or 7d77#c77;,b71 as applicable1 with respect to the grant1 and in a format specified by the ,assistant ,secretary1 on-- 7i7 the use of that grant by the entity2 7ii7 the progress of the entity towards fulfilling the objectives for which the grant was awarded2 and 7iii7 the implementation of the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of the ,state2 7,b7 establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure that each eligible ,state to which a grant is awarded under this section-- 7i7 uses the grant amounts in an appropriate manner2 and 7ii7 complies with all terms with respect to the use of the grant amounts2 and 7,c7 create and maintain a fully searchable database1 which shall be accessible on the internet at no cost to the public1 that contains1 at a minimum-- 7i7 the application of each ,state that has applied for a grant under this section2 7ii7 the status of each application described in clause 7i72 7iii7 each report submitted by an entity under subparagraph 7,a72 7iv7 a record of public comments made regarding the ,state ,digital ,equity ,plan of a ,state1 as well as any written responses to or actions taken in as a result of those comments2 and 7v7 any other information that is sufficient to allow the public to understand and monitor grants awarded under this section2 and 7#b7 may establish additional reporting and information requirements for any recipient of a grant under this section4 7h7 ,supplement not supplant ,a grant or subgrant awarded under this section shall supplement1 not supplant1 other ,federal or ,state funds that have been made available to carry out activities described in this section4 7i7 ,set asides ,from amounts made available in a fiscal year to carry out the ,program1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall reserve-- 7#a7 not more than #e percent for the implementation and administration of the ,program1 which shall include-- 7,a7 providing technical support and assistance1 including ensuring consistency in data reporting2 7,b7 providing assistance to-- 7i7 ,states1 or administering entities for ,states1 to prepare the applications of those ,states2 and 7ii7 administering entities with respect to grants awarded under this section2 and 7,c7 developing the report required under section #f7;a72 7#b7 not less than #e percent to award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,indian tribes1 ,alaska ,native entities1 and ,native ,hawaiian organizations to allow those tribes1 entities1 and organizations to carry out the activities described in this section2 and 7#c7 not less than #a percent to award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states that is not a ,state to enable those entities to carry out the activities described in this section4 7j7 ,rules ,the ,assistant ,secretary may prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7k7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated-- 7#a7 #fj1jjj1jjj for the award of grants under subsection 7c77#c71 which shall remain available until expended2 7#b7 for each of the first #e fiscal years in which amounts are made available to award grants under subsection 7d71 #abe1jjj1jjj for the award of those grants2 and 7#c7 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each fiscal year after the end of the #e-;fiscal year period described in paragraph 7#b74 #e4 ,digital ,equity ,competitive ,grant ,program 7a7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after the date on which the ,assistant ,secretary begins awarding grants under section #d7;d71 and not before that date1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall establish in the ,department of ,commerce the ,digital ,equity ,competitive ,grant ,program 7referred to in this section as the ,program71 the purpose of which is to award grants to support efforts to achieve digital equity1 promote digital inclusion activities1 and spur greater adoption of broadband among covered populations4 7#b7 ,consultation2 no conflict ,in establishing the ,program under paragraph 7#a71 the ,assistant ,secretary-- 7,a7 may consult a ,state with respect to-- 7i7 the identification of groups described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,h7 of section #b7h7 located in that ,state2 and 7ii7 the allocation of grant funds within that ,state for projects in or affecting the ,state2 and 7,b7 shall-- 7i7 consult with-- 7,i7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 7,,ii7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7,,iii7 the ,secretary of ,education2 7,,iv7 the ,secretary of ,labor2 7,v7 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services2 7,,vi7 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs2 7,,vii7 the ,secretary of the ,interior2 7,,viii7 the ,federal ,communications ,commission2 7,,ix7 the ,federal ,trade ,commission2 7,x7 the ,director of the ,institute of ,museum and ,library ,services2 7,,xi7 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration2 7,,xii7 the ,federal ,cochairman of the ,appalachian ,regional ,commission2 and 7,,xiii7 the head of any other agency that the ,assistant ,secretary determines to be appropriate2 and 7ii7 ensure that the ,program complements and enhances1 and does not conflict with1 other ,federal broadband initiatives and programs4 7b7 ,eligibility ,the ,assistant ,secretary may award a grant under the ,program to any of the following entities if the entity is not serving1 and has not served1 as the administering entity for a ,state under section #d7;b73 7#a7 ,a political subdivision1 agency1 or instrumentality of a ,state1 including an agency of a ,state that is responsible for administering or supervising adult education and literacy activities in the ,state4 7#b7 ,an ,indian tribe1 an ,alaska ,native entity1 or a ,native ,hawaiian organization4 7#c7 ,a foundation1 corporation1 institution1 or association that is-- 7,a7 a not-for-profit entity2 and 7,b7 not a school4 7#d7 ,a community anchor institution4 7#e7 ,a local educational agency4 7#f7 ,an entity that carries out a workforce development program4 7#g7 ,a partnership between any of the entities described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f74 7#h7 ,a partnership between-- 7,a7 an entity described in any of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#f72 and 7,b7 an entity that-- 7i7 the ,assistant ,secretary1 by rule1 determines to be in the public interest2 and 7ii7 is not a school4 7c7 ,application ,an entity that wishes to be awarded a grant under the ,program shall submit to the ,assistant ,secretary an application-- 7#a7 at such time1 in such form1 and containing such information as the ,assistant ,secretary may require2 and 7#b7 that-- 7,a7 provides a detailed explanation of how the entity will use any grant amounts awarded under the ,program to carry out the purposes of the ,program in an efficient and expeditious manner2 7,b7 identifies the period in which the applicant will expend the grant funds awarded under the ,program2 7,c7 includes-- 7i7 a justification for the amount of the grant that the applicant is requesting2 and 7ii7 for each fiscal year in which the applicant will expend the grant funds1 a budget for the activities that the grant funds will support2 7,d7 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the ,assistant ,secretary that the entity-- 7i7 is capable of carrying out-- 7,i7 the project or function to which the application relates2 and 7,,ii7 the activities described in subsection 7h7-- 7aa7 in a competent manner2 and 7bb7 in compliance with all applicable ,federal1 ,state1 and local laws2 and 7ii7 if the applicant is an entity described in subsection 7b77#a71 shall appropriate or otherwise unconditionally obligate from non-,federal sources funds that are necessary to meet the requirements of subsection 7e72 7,e7 discloses to the ,assistant ,secretary the source and amount of other ,federal1 ,state1 or outside funding sources from which the entity receives1 or has applied for1 funding for activities or projects to which the application relates2 and 7,f7 provides-- 7i7 the assurances that are required under subsection 7f72 and 7ii7 an assurance that the entity shall follow such additional procedures as the ,assistant ,secretary may require to ensure that grant funds are used and accounted for in an appropriate manner4 7d7 ,award of grants 7#a7 ,factors considered in award of grants ,in deciding whether to award a grant under the ,program1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 consider-- 7,a7 whether-- 7i7 an application shall1 if approved-- 7,i7 increase internet access and the adoption of broadband among covered populations to be served by the applicant2 and 7,,ii7 not result in unjust enrichment2 and 7ii7 the applicant is1 or plans to subcontract with1 a socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern2 7,b7 the comparative geographic diversity of the application in relation to other eligible applications2 and 7,c7 the extent to which an application may duplicate or conflict with another program4 7#b7 ,use of funds 7,a7 ,in general ,in addition to the activities required under subparagraph 7,b71 an entity to which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program shall use the grant amounts to support not less than #a of the following activities3 7i7 ,to develop and implement digital inclusion activities that benefit covered populations4 7ii7 ,to facilitate the adoption of broadband by covered populations in order to provide educational and employment opportunities to those populations4 7iii7 ,to implement1 consistent with the purposes of this ,act-- 7,i7 training programs for covered populations that cover basic1 advanced1 and applied skills2 or 7,,ii7 other workforce development programs4 7iv7 ,to make available equipment1 instrumentation1 networking capability1 hardware and software1 or digital network technology for broadband services to covered populations at low or no cost4 7v7 ,to construct1 upgrade1 expend1 or operate new or existing public access computing centers for covered populations through community anchor institutions4 7vi7 ,to undertake any other project and activity that the ,assistant ,secretary finds to be consistent with the purposes for which the ,program is established4 7,b7 ,evaluation 7i7 ,in general ,an entity to which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program shall use not more than #aj percent of the grant amounts to measure and evaluate the activities supported with the grant amounts4 7ii7 ,submission to ,assistant ,secretary ,an entity to which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program shall submit to the ,assistant ,secretary each measurement and evaluation performed under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 in a manner specified by the ,assistant ,secretary2 7,,ii7 not later than #ae months after the date on which the entity is awarded the grant amounts2 and 7,,iii7 annually after the submission described in subclause 7,,ii7 for any year in which the entity expends grant amounts4 7,c7 ,administrative costs ,an entity to which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program may use not more than #aj percent of the amount of the grant for administrative costs in carrying out any of the activities described in subparagraph 7,a74 7,d7 ,time limitations ,with respect to a grant awarded to an entity under the ,program1 the entity-- 7i7 except as provided in clause 7ii71 shall expend the grant amounts during the #d-year period beginning on the date on which the entity is awarded the grant amounts2 and 7ii7 during the #a-year period beginning on the date that is #d years after the date on which the entity is awarded the grant amounts1 may continue to measure and evaluate the activities supported with the grant amounts1 as required under subparagraph 7,b74 7e7 ,federal share 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 the ,federal share of any project for which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program may not exceed #ij percent4 7#b7 ,exception ,the ,assistant ,secretary may grant a waiver with respect to the limitation on the ,federal share of a project described in paragraph 7#a7 if-- 7,a7 the applicant with respect to the project petitions the ,assistant ,secretary for the waiver2 and 7,b7 the ,assistant ,secretary determines that the petition described in subparagraph 7,a7 demonstrates financial need4 7f7 ,assurances ,when applying for a grant under this section1 an entity shall include in the application for that grant assurances that the entity shall-- 7#a7 use any grant funds that the entity is awarded-- 7,a7 in accordance with any applicable statute1 regulation1 and application procedure2 and 7,b7 to the extent required under applicable law2 7#b7 adopt and use proper methods of administering any grant that the entity is awarded1 including by-- 7,a7 enforcing any obligation imposed under law on any agency1 institution1 organization1 or other entity that is responsible for carrying out a program to which the grant relates2 7,b7 correcting any deficiency in the operation of a program to which the grant relates1 as identified through an audit or another monitoring or evaluation procedure2 and 7,c7 adopting written procedures for the receipt and resolution of complaints alleging a violation of law with respect to a program to which the grant relates2 7#c7 cooperate with respect to any evaluation-- 7,a7 of any program that relates to a grant awarded to the entity2 and 7,b7 that is carried out by or for the ,assistant ,secretary or another ,federal official2 7#d7 use fiscal control and fund accounting procedures that ensure the proper disbursement of1 and accounting for1 any ,federal funds that the entity is awarded under the ,program2 7#e7 submit to the ,assistant ,secretary any reports that may be necessary to enable the ,assistant ,secretary to perform the duties of the ,assistant ,secretary under the ,program2 and 7#f7 maintain any records and provide any information to the ,assistant ,secretary1 including those records1 that the ,assistant ,secretary determines is necessary to enable the ,assistant ,secretary to perform the duties of the ,assistant ,secretary under the ,program4 7g7 ,deobligation or termination of grant ,in addition to other authority under applicable law1 the ,assistant ,secretary may-- 7#a7 deobligate or terminate a grant awarded to an entity under this section if1 after notice to the entity and opportunity for a hearing1 the ,assistant ,secretary-- 7,a7 presents to the entity a rationale and supporting information that clearly demonstrates that-- 7i7 the grant funds are not being used in a manner that is consistent with the application with respect to the grant submitted by the entity under subsection 7c72 and 7ii7 the entity is not upholding assurances made by the entity to the ,assistant ,secretary under subsection 7f72 and 7,b7 determines that the grant is no longer necessary to achieve the original purpose for which ,assistant ,secretary awarded the grant2 and 7#b7 with respect to any grant funds that the ,assistant ,secretary deobligates or terminates under paragraph 7#a71 competitively award the grant funds to another applicant1 consistent with the requirements of this section4 7h7 ,reporting and information requirements2 internet disclosure ,the ,assistant ,secretary-- 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 require any entity to which the ,assistant ,secretary awards a grant under the ,program to1 for each year during the period described in subsection 7d77#b77;,d7 with respect to the grant1 submit to the ,assistant ,secretary a report1 in a format specified by the ,assistant ,secretary1 regarding-- 7i7 the amount of the grant2 7ii7 the use by the entity of the grant amounts2 and 7iii7 the progress of the entity towards fulfilling the objectives for which the grant was awarded2 7,b7 establish mechanisms to ensure appropriate use of1 and compliance with respect to all terms regarding1 grant funds awarded under the ,program2 7,c7 create and maintain a fully searchable database1 which shall be accessible on the internet at no cost to the public1 that contains1 at a minimum-- 7i7 a list of each entity that has applied for a grant under the ,program2 7ii7 a description of each application described in clause 7i71 including the proposed purpose of each grant described in that clause2 7iii7 the status of each application described in clause 7i71 including whether the ,assistant ,secretary has awarded a grant with respect to the application and1 if so1 the amount of the grant2 7iv7 each report submitted by an entity under subparagraph 7,a72 and 7v7 any other information that is sufficient to allow the public to understand and monitor grants awarded under the ,program2 and 7,d7 ensure that any entity with respect to which an award is deobligated or terminated under subsection 7g7 may1 in a timely manner1 appeal or otherwise challenge that deobligation or termination1 as applicable2 and 7#b7 may establish additional reporting and information requirements for any recipient of a grant under the ,program4 7i7 ,supplement not supplant ,a grant awarded to an entity under the ,program shall supplement1 not supplant1 other ,federal or ,state funds that have been made available to the entity to carry out activities described in this section4 7j7 ,set asides ,from amounts made available in a fiscal year to carry out the ,program1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall reserve-- 7#a7 #e percent for the implementation and administration of the ,program1 which shall include-- 7,a7 providing technical support and assistance1 including ensuring consistency in data reporting2 7,b7 providing assistance to entities to prepare the applications of those entities with respect to grants awarded under this section2 7,c7 developing the report required under section #f7;a72 and 7,d7 conducting outreach to entities that may be eligible to be awarded a grant under the ,program regarding opportunities to apply for such a grant2 7#b7 #e percent to award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 ,indian tribes1 ,alaska ,native entities1 and ,native ,hawaiian organizations to allow those tribes1 entities1 and organizations to carry out the activities described in this section2 and 7#c7 #a percent to award grants to1 or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 and any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states that is not a ,state to enable those entities to carry out the activities described in this section4 7k7 ,rules ,the ,assistant ,secretary may prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry out this section4 7l7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section-- 7#a7 #abe1jjj1jjj for each of the first #e fiscal years in which funds are made available to carry out this section2 and 7#b7 such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year after the end of the #e-;fiscal year period described in paragraph 7#a74 #f4 ,policy research1 data collection1 analysis and modeling1 evaluation1 and dissemination 7a7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which the ,assistant ,secretary begins awarding grants under section #d7;d77#a71 and annually thereafter1 the ,assistant ,secretary shall-- 7,a7 submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report that documents1 for the year covered by the report-- 7i7 the findings of each evaluation conducted under subparagraph 7,b72 7ii7 a list of each grant awarded under each covered program1 which shall include-- 7,i7 the amount of each such grant2 7,,ii7 the recipient of each such grant2 and 7,,iii7 the purpose for which each such grant was awarded2 7iii7 any deobligation1 termination1 or modification of a grant awarded under the covered programs1 which shall include a description of the subsequent usage of any funds to which such an action applies2 and 7iv7 each challenge made by an applicant for1 or a recipient of1 a grant under the covered programs and the outcome of each such challenge2 and 7,b7 conduct evaluations of the activities carried out under the covered programs1 which shall include an evaluation of-- 7i7 whether eligible ,states to which grants are awarded under the program established under section #d are-- 7,i7 abiding by the assurances made by those ,states under subsection 7e7 of that section2 7,,ii7 meeting1 or have met1 the stated goals of the ,digital ,equity ,plans developed by the ,states under subsection 7c7 of that section2 7,,iii7 satisfying the requirements imposed by the ,assistant ,secretary on those ,states under subsection 7g7 of that section2 and 7,,iv7 in compliance with any other rules1 requirements1 or regulations promulgated by the ,assistant ,secretary in implementing that program2 and 7ii7 whether entities to which grants are awarded under the program established under section #e are-- 7,i7 abiding by the assurances made by those entities under subsection 7f7 of that section2 7,,ii7 meeting1 or have met1 the stated goals of those entities with respect to the use of the grant amounts2 7,,iii7 satisfying the requirements imposed by the ,assistant ,secretary on those ,states under subsection 7h7 of that section2 and 7,,iv7 in compliance with any other rules1 requirements1 or regulations promulgated by the ,assistant ,secretary in implementing that program4 7#b7 ,public availability ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall make each report submitted under paragraph 7#a77;,a7 publicly available in an online format that-- 7,a7 facilitates access and ease of use2 7,b7 is searchable2 and 7,c7 is accessible-- 7i7 to individuals with disabilities2 and 7ii7 in languages other than ,english4 7b7 ,authority ,to contract and enter into other arrangements ,the ,assistant ,secretary may award grants and enter into contracts1 cooperative agreements1 and other arrangements with ,federal agencies1 public and private organizations1 and other entities with expertise that the ,assistant ,secretary determines appropriate in order to-- 7#a7 evaluate the impact and efficacy of activities supported by grants awarded under the covered programs2 and 7#b7 develop1 catalog1 disseminate1 and promote the exchange of best practices1 both with respect to and independent of the covered programs1 in order to achieve digital equity4 7c7 ,consultation and public engagement ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 and to further the objectives described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7b71 the ,assistant ,secretary shall conduct ongoing collaboration and consult with-- 7#a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture2 7#b7 the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development2 7#c7 the ,secretary of ,education2 7#d7 the ,secretary of ,labor2 7#e7 the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services2 7#f7 the ,secretary of ,veterans ,affairs2 7#g7 the ,secretary of the ,interior2 7#h7 the ,federal ,communications ,commission2 7#i7 the ,federal ,trade ,commission2 7#aj7 the ,director of the ,institute of ,museum and ,library ,services2 7#aa7 the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration2 7#ab7 the ,federal ,cochairman of the ,appalachian ,regional ,commission2 7#ac7 ,state agencies and governors of ,states 7or equivalent officials72 7#ad7 entities serving as administering entities for ,states under section #d7;b72 7#ae7 national1 ,state1 tribal1 and local organizations that provide digital inclusion1 digital equity1 or digital literacy services2 7#af7 researchers1 academics1 and philanthropic organizations2 and 7#ag7 other agencies1 organizations 7including international organizations71 entities 7including entities with expertise in the fields of data collection1 analysis and modeling1 and evaluation71 and community stakeholders1 as determined appropriate by the ,assistant ,secretary4 7d7 ,technical support and assistance ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall provide technical support and assistance1 assistance to entities to prepare the applications of those entities with respect to grants awarded under the covered programs1 and other resources1 to the extent practicable1 to ensure consistency in data reporting and to meet the objectives of this section4 7e7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section1 which shall remain available until expended4 #g4 ,general provisions 7a7 ,nondiscrimination 7#a7 ,in general ,no individual in the ,united ,states may1 on the basis of actual or perceived race1 color1 religion1 national origin1 sex1 gender identity1 sexual orientation1 age1 or disability1 be excluded from participation in1 be denied the benefits of1 or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity that is funded in whole or in part with funds made available under this ,act4 7#b7 ,enforcement ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall effectuate paragraph 7#a7 with respect to any program or activity described in that paragraph by issuing regulations and taking actions consistent with section #fjb of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;d-#a74 7#c7 ,judicial review ,judicial review of an action taken by the ,assistant ,secretary under paragraph 7#b7 shall be available to the extent provided in section #fjc of the ,civil ,rights ,act of #aifd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #bjjj;d-#b74 7b7 ,technological neutrality ,the ,assistant ,secretary shall1 to the extent practicable1 carry out this ,act in a technologically neutral manner4 7c7 ,audit and oversight ,beginning in the first fiscal year in which amounts are made available to carry out an activity authorized under this ,act1 and in each of the #d fiscal years thereafter1 there is authorized to be appropriated to the ,office of ,inspector ,general for the ,department of ,commerce #a1jjj1jjj for audits and oversight of funds made available to carry out this ,act1 which shall remain available until expended4