,,ii #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dhfe ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,september #ae1 #bjbb ,mr4 ,lujn 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,merkley1 ,mr4 ,heinrich1 ,mr4 ,markey1 ,mr4 ,blumenthal1 and ,ms4 ,klobuchar7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to establish the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,digital ,equity ,foundation ,act of #bjbb4 #b4 ,foundation for digital equity 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,assistant secretary ,the term ,assistant ,secretary means the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,communications and ,information4 7#b7 ,board ,the term ,board means the ,board of ,directors described in subsection 7d77#a74 7#c7 ,business incubator ,the term business incubator has the meaning given the term in section #c of the ,native ,american ,business ,incubators ,program ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ehjb74 7#d7 ,commission ,the term ,commission means the ,federal ,communications ,commission4 7#e7 ,committee ,the term ,committee means the ,committee for the ,establishment of the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity established under subsection 7b74 7#f7 ,community anchor institution2 covered household2 covered populations ,the terms community anchor institution1 covered household1 and covered populations have the meanings given those terms in section #fjcjb of the ,digital ,equity ,act of #bjba 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #agba74 7#g7 ,department ,the term ,department means the ,department of ,commerce4 7#h7 ,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#i7 ,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 fixed and wireless broadband2 7ii7 internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user for telehealth1 remote work1 remote schooling1 or other purposes2 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#aj7 ,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#aa7 ,executive director ,the term ,executive ,director means the ,executive ,director of the ,foundation described in subsection 7f77#a74 7#ab7 ,foundation ,the term ,foundation means the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity established under subsection 7c74 7#ac7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education means-- 7,a7 an institution of higher education1 as that term is defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja72 or 7,b7 a postsecondary vocational institution1 as that term is defined in section #ajb7;c7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c774 7#ad7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term ,minority-serving institution means an institution described in any of paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#g7 of section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a774 7#ae7 ,,ntia ,the term ,,ntia means the ,national ,telecommunications and ,information ,administration4 7#af7 ,older individual ,the term older individual has the meaning given the term in section #aja of the ,older ,americans ,act of #aife 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #cjja74 7#ag7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7#ah7 ,small business investment company ,the term small business investment company has the meaning given the term in section #ajc of the ,small ,business ,investment ,act of #aieh 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #ffb74 7#ai7 ,startup ,the term startup has the meaning given the term start-up business in section #cfb7;f77#e77;,c7 of the ,energy ,policy and ,conservation ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fcbb7;f77#e77;,c774 7#bj7 ,tribal ,broadband ,connectivity ,program ,the term ,tribal ,broadband ,connectivity ,program means the program established pursuant to section #ije7;c7 of division ,n of the ,consolidated ,appropriations ,act1 #bjba 7#dg ,u4,s4,c4 #acje note74 7b7 ,committee for the ,establishment of the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish the ,committee for the ,establishment of the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity4 7#b7 ,members ,the ,committee shall be composed of #e members-- 7,a7 who shall be appointed by the officials described in subsection 7d77#b77;,b77i72 7,b7 each of whom shall be a voting member of the ,committee2 7,c7 not fewer than #c of whom shall have broad and general experience in matters relating to digital equity1 digital inclusion1 or digital literacy2 and 7,d7 not less than #a of whom shall have broad and general experience in working with private nonprofit organizations4 7#c7 ,functions ,the functions of the ,committee are as follows3 7,a7 ,to carry out such activities as may be necessary to incorporate the ,foundation under the laws of a ,state1 including by-- 7i7 serving as the incorporators for the ,foundation2 and 7ii7 ensuring that the articles of incorporation for the ,foundation require that the ,foundation is operated in accordance with the requirements of this section4 7,b7 ,to ensure that the ,foundation qualifies for and 7during the period in which the ,committee is in existence7 maintains the status described in subsection 7c77#d74 7,c7 ,to provide for the initial operation of the ,foundation1 including by ensuring that the ,foundation has adequate facilities1 equipment1 and staff4 7,d7 ,to appoint initial voting members of the ,board who satisfy the requirements under subsection 7d77#b77;,c7 and have such other qualifications as the ,committee determines appropriate with respect to those members4 7#d7 ,chair ,the ,committee shall1 from among the members of the ,committee1 designate a member of the ,committee to serve as ,chair of the ,committee4 7#e7 ,term 7,a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,committee shall serve for the duration of the ,committee4 7,b7 ,vacancies 7i7 ,no effect on authority ,a vacancy in the membership of the ,committee shall not affect the authority of the ,committee to carry out the functions of the ,committee4 7ii7 ,replacement ,if a member of the ,committee does not serve for the duration of the ,committee1 the individual appointed to fill that vacancy shall be appointed by the ex officio members of the ,board for the remainder of the applicable term4 7#f7 ,compensation ,a member of the ,committee-- 7,a7 shall not receive compensation for service on the ,committee2 and 7,b7 may be reimbursed for travel1 subsistence1 and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the functions of the ,committee4 7#g7 ,termination ,the ,committee shall-- 7,a7 complete the functions of the committee described in paragraph 7#c7 not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,secretary establishes the ,committee under paragraph 7#a72 and 7,b7 terminate on the date that is #cj days after the date on which the ,secretary determines that the ,committee has completed the functions described in paragraph 7#c74 7c7 ,establishment 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall establish a nonprofit corporation to be known as the ,foundation for ,digital ,equity4 7#b7 ,mission ,the mission of the ,foundation shall be-- 7,a7 to supplement1 but not supplant1 the work of the ,,ntia and the ,commission in promoting the benefits of technological development in the ,united ,states1 and of high-capacity1 affordable broadband connectivity in particular1 for all users of telecommunications and information facilities2 7,b7 to raise1 leverage1 or match funding from other entities1 including philanthropic organizations1 the private sector1 and ,state and local governments1 to promote digital literacy1 digital inclusion1 and digital equity for communities with low rates of adoption of broadband2 7,c7 to develop programs and partnerships to-- 7i7 spur greater rates of adoption of broadband among covered populations2 7ii7 collaborate with ,state1 local1 and ,tribal governments1 ,minority-serving institutions1 other anchor institutions1 and stakeholders in the communications1 education1 business1 and technology fields2 7iii7 publicize and incentivize the adoption of evidence-based programs2 7iv7 convene organizations and partnerships with related goals and interests to establish problem-solving processes2 7v7 strengthen and share best practices relating to-- 7,i7 projects promoting digital inclusion1 digital literacy1 and digital equity2 and 7,,ii7 regional economic development2 7vi7 support job creation and workforce development2 and 7vii7 support the goals of the ,tribal ,broadband ,connectivity ,program2 and 7,d7 to promote equitable access to1 and the adoption of1 broadband technologies and digital applications that support accessibility1 telehealth1 distance learning1 and online access to governmental benefits and services1 including by preventing1 detecting1 and remedying digital discrimination4 7#c7 ,limitation ,the ,foundation shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the ,federal ,government or any ,state or local government4 7#d7 ,tax-exempt status ,the ,board shall take all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure that the ,foundation is an organization that is described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of that ,code4 7d7 ,board of directors 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,foundation shall be governed by a ,board of ,directors4 7#b7 ,composition 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall be composed of the ex officio members described in subparagraph 7,b7 and the appointed voting members described in subparagraph 7,c74 7,b7 ,ex officio members 7i7 ,members ,the ex officio members of the ,board shall be the following individuals 7or designees of those individuals73 7,i7 ,the ,secretary4 7,,ii7 ,the ,assistant ,secretary4 7,,iii7 ,the ,chairman of the ,commission4 7,,iv7 ,the ,secretary of the ,treasury4 7,v7 ,the ,under ,secretary of ,agriculture for ,rural ,development4 7ii7 ,nonvoting members ,the ex officio members of the ,board shall be nonvoting members of the ,board4 7,c7 ,appointed members 7i7 ,representation ,the appointed members of the ,board shall reflect a broad cross-section of stakeholders from academia1 industry1 nonprofit and civil rights organizations1 community-based practitioners of efforts to promote digital inclusion1 ,state or local governments1 local school districts and libraries1 other community anchor institutions1 and the philanthropic community4 7ii7 ,experience ,each appointed member of the ,board shall-- 7,i7 7aa7 have experience promoting digital equity1 digital inclusion1 and digital literacy2 7bb7 have experience in the technology sector2 7cc7 have experience in the telecommunications and broadband sector2 7dd7 have direct experience working with covered populations2 or 7ee7 have research experience in foundation operations2 and 7,,ii7 to the extent practicable1 represent diverse regions1 sectors1 and the communities corresponding to the covered populations that are the focus of the activities of the ,foundation4 7#c7 ,chair and vice chair 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,board shall designate1 from among the appointed members of the ,board-- 7i7 an individual to serve as ,chair of the ,board2 and 7ii7 an individual to serve as ,vice ,chair of the ,board4 7,b7 ,terms ,the term of service of the ,chair and ,vice ,chair of the ,board shall end on the earlier of-- 7i7 the date that is #c years after the date on which the ,chair or ,vice ,chair of the ,board1 as applicable1 is designated for the position2 and 7ii7 the last day of the term of service of the member1 as determined under paragraph 7#d77;,a71 who is designated to be ,chair or ,vice ,chair of the ,board1 as applicable4 7,c7 ,representation ,the ,chair and ,vice ,chair of the ,board-- 7i7 shall not be representatives of the same area of subject matter expertise1 or entity1 as applicable1 under paragraph 7#b77;,c77ii72 and 7ii7 shall not be representatives of any area of subject matter expertise1 or entity1 as applicable1 represented by the immediately preceding ,chair and ,vice ,chair of the ,board4 7#d7 ,terms and vacancies 7,a7 ,terms 7i7 ,in general ,the term of service of each appointed member of the ,board shall be not more than #e years4 7ii7 ,initial appointed members ,of the initial members of the ,board appointed under subsection 7b77#c77;,d71 #a_/b of the members shall serve for #d years and #a_/b of the members shall serve for #e years1 as determined by the ,chair of the ,board4 7,b7 ,vacancies ,any vacancy in the membership of the appointed members of the ,board-- 7i7 shall be filled by a majority vote of the appointed members of the ,board in accordance with the bylaws of the ,foundation2 7ii7 shall not affect the power of the remaining appointed members to execute the duties of the ,board2 and 7iii7 shall be filled by an individual selected by the ,board4 7#e7 ,meetings2 quorum 7,a7 ,initial meeting ,not later than #fj days after the date on which all of the members of the ,board have been appointed1 the ,secretary shall convene a meeting of the ex officio and appointed members of the ,board to establish the bylaws of the ,foundation in accordance with paragraph 7#g74 7,b7 ,quorum ,a majority of the appointed members of the ,board shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting the business of the ,board4 7#f7 ,duties ,the ,board shall-- 7,a7 provide overall direction for the activities of the ,foundation and establish priority activities2 7,b7 provide guidance to the ,executive ,director such that the ,executive ,director may carry out any other necessary activities of the ,foundation2 7,c7 evaluate the performance of the ,executive ,director2 and 7,d7 actively solicit and accept funds1 gifts1 grants1 devises1 or bequests of real or personal property to the ,foundation1 including from private entities4 7#g7 ,bylaws 7,a7 ,in general ,the bylaws established under paragraph 7#e77;,a7 may include-- 7i7 policies for the selection of ,board members and officers1 employees1 agents1 and contractors of the ,foundation2 7ii7 policies1 including ethical standards1 for-- 7,i7 the acceptance1 solicitation1 and disposition of donations and grants to the ,foundation1 including appropriate limits on the ability of donors to designate1 by stipulation or restriction1 the use or recipient of donated funds2 and 7,,ii7 the disposition of assets of the ,foundation2 7iii7 policies that subject all employees1 fellows1 trainees1 contractors1 consultants1 and other agents of the ,foundation 7including ex officio and appointed members of the ,board7 to conflict of interest standards2 and 7iv7 the specific duties of the ,executive ,director4 7,b7 ,requirements ,the ,board shall ensure that the bylaws of the ,foundation and the activities carried out under those bylaws shall not-- 7i7 reflect unfavorably on the ability of the ,foundation to carry out activities in a fair and objective manner2 or 7ii7 compromise1 or appear to compromise1 the integrity of any ,federal agency or program1 or any officer or employee employed by1 or involved in1 such an agency or program4 7#h7 ,compensation 7,a7 ,in general ,no member of the ,board shall receive compensation for serving as a member of the ,board4 7,b7 ,reimbursement of certain expenses ,in accordance with the bylaws of the ,foundation1 members of the ,board may be reimbursed for travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the duties of the ,board4 7e7 ,activities 7#a7 ,studies1 competitions1 and projects ,the ,foundation may conduct and support studies1 competitions1 projects1 and other activities that further the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b74 7#b7 ,grants 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,foundation may award grants for activities relating to digital equity1 digital inclusion1 or digital literacy4 7,b7 ,selection ,in selecting a recipient for a grant awarded under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,foundation-- 7i7 shall make the selection based on the comparative merits of-- 7,i7 the proposed project of the potential recipient2 7,,ii7 the impact of the project described in subclause 7,i7 on promoting digital equity in local communities2 and 7,,iii7 the alignment of the project described in subclause 7,i7 with-- 7aa7 the overall goals of the ,foundation relating to diversity on the basis of geography2 7bb7 the type of need addressed by the project2 and 7cc7 other factors specified in the strategic plan and grant guidelines of the ,foundation2 and 7ii7 may consult with a potential recipient regarding the ability of the potential recipient to carry out various projects that would further the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b74 7#c7 ,accessing facilities and expertise ,the ,foundation may work with the ,secretary and the ,commission-- 7,a7 to leverage the capabilities and facilities of the ,department and the ,commission2 and 7,b7 to assist with resources1 including by providing information on assets of the ,department and the ,commission that may enable the promotion of digital equity1 digital inclusion1 or digital literacy4 7#d7 ,training and education ,the ,foundation may support programs that provide training to researchers1 scientists1 and other relevant personnel at the ,department1 the ,commission1 and institutions of higher education to help promote digital equity1 digital inclusion1 and digital literacy4 7#e7 ,stakeholder engagement ,the ,foundation shall convene1 and may consult with1 representatives from the ,department1 the ,commission1 institutions of higher education1 the private sector1 public interest stakeholders1 and commercialization organizations to develop programs for the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b7 and to advance the activities of the ,foundation4 7#f7 ,for-profit subsidiaries 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,foundation may establish #a or more for-profit subsidiaries1 including an impact investment fund-- 7i7 to stimulate economic development activities relating to the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b72 and 7ii7 to attract for-profit investment partners for digital equity1 digital inclusion1 and digital literacy activities4 7,b7 ,authorities of the for-profit subsidiary ,a for-profit subsidiary established under subparagraph 7,a7 may-- 7i7 enter into a partnership with an economic development corporation1 including a business incubator or small business investment company2 7ii7 pay for the cost of building and administering a facility1 including a business incubator1 to support the activities of the ,foundation described in this subsection2 and 7iii7 provide funding to a startup4 7#g7 ,supplemental programs ,the ,foundation may carry out supplemental programs-- 7,a7 to conduct and support forums1 meetings1 conferences1 courses1 and training workshops consistent with the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b72 7,b7 to support and encourage the understanding and development of-- 7i7 data collection that provides clarity with respect to inequities and community needs in order to promote digital equity1 digital inclusion1 and digital literacy2 and 7ii7 policies that make regulation more effective and efficient by leveraging the data collection efforts described in clause 7i7 for the regulation of relevant technology sectors2 7,c7 for writing1 editing1 printing1 publishing1 and selling books and other materials relating to efforts carried out by the ,foundation1 the ,department1 or the ,commission2 and 7,d7 to conduct other activities to carry out and support the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b74 7#h7 ,evaluations ,the ,foundation shall support the development of an evaluation methodology1 to be used as part of any program supported by the ,foundation1 that shall-- 7,a7 consist of qualitative and quantitative metrics2 7,b7 include periodic third-party evaluation of the programs and other activities of the ,foundation2 and 7,c7 be made publicly available4 7#i7 ,communications ,the ,foundation shall develop an expertise in communications to-- 7,a7 disseminate awareness of funding opportunities among community-based organizations that serve covered populations2 and 7,b7 promote the work of grant and fellowship recipients under paragraph 7#b71 the successes of the ,foundation1 opportunities for partnership with the ,foundation1 and other activities4 7#aj7 ,tribal ,broadband ,connectivity ,grants ,the ,foundation may support a grant made under the ,tribal ,broadband ,connectivity ,program if there are not adequate appropriations to support such a grant4 7f7 ,administration 7#a7 ,executive director ,the ,board shall appoint an ,executive ,director of the ,foundation1 who shall serve at the pleasure of the ,board4 7#b7 ,administrative control ,no member of the ,board1 any officer or employee of the ,foundation1 any officer or employee of any program established by the ,foundation1 or any participant in a program established by the ,foundation may exercise administrative control over any ,federal employee4 7#c7 ,strategic plan ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,foundation shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives a strategic plan that1 incorporating the input of the community advisory committee convened under subsection 7g77#a71 contains-- 7,a7 a description of the initial focus areas of1 and primary purposes for1 each program1 grant1 or award opportunity that the ,foundation plans to implement during the #b-year period beginning on the date on which the strategic plan is submitted2 7,b7 a description of the efforts that the ,foundation will take to be transparent in the processes of the ,foundation1 including processes relating to-- 7i7 grant awards1 including selection1 review1 and notification with respect to those awards2 and 7ii7 communication of past1 current1 and future digital equity priorities2 7,c7 a description of the financial goals and benchmarks of the ,foundation for the #aj-year period beginning on the date on which the report is submitted2 and 7,d7 a description of the efforts undertaken by the ,foundation to ensure maximum complementarity and minimum redundancy with investments made by the ,secretary and the ,commission4 7#d7 ,recurring report ,not later than #a year after the date on which the ,foundation is established1 and once every #b years thereafter1 the ,foundation shall make publicly available1 and shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,secretary1 a report that1 for the period covered by the report-- 7,a7 describes the activities of the ,foundation and the progress of the ,foundation in furthering the mission of the ,foundation described in subsection 7c77#b72 7,b7 provides a specific accounting of the source and use of all funds made available to the ,foundation to carry out the activities described in subparagraph 7,a7 to ensure transparency in the alignment of the missions of the ,department and the ,commission2 and 7,c7 includes a summary of each evaluation regarding the decision to award a grant that is conducted under the requirements of subsection 7e77#b77;,b74 7#e7 ,evaluation by comptroller general ,not later than #e years after the date on which the ,foundation is established1 and once every #e years thereafter1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,energy and ,commerce of the ,house of ,representatives-- 7,a7 an evaluation of-- 7i7 the extent to which the ,foundation is achieving the mission of the ,foundation2 and 7ii7 the operation of the ,foundation2 and 7,b7 any recommendations regarding how the ,foundation may be improved4 7#f7 ,audits ,the ,foundation shall-- 7,a7 provide for annual audits of the condition of the ,foundation2 and 7,b7 make the audits1 and all other records1 documents1 and papers of the ,foundation1 available to the ,secretary and the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states for examination or audit4 7#g7 ,integrity 7,a7 ,in general ,to ensure integrity in the operations of the ,foundation1 the ,board shall develop and enforce procedures relating to standards of conduct1 financial disclosure statements1 conflicts of interest 7including recusal and waiver rules71 audits1 and any other matters determined appropriate by the ,board4 7,b7 ,financial conflicts of interest ,an individual who is an officer1 employee1 or member of the ,board may not participate in deliberations by the ,foundation regarding a matter that would directly or predictably affect any financial interest of-- 7i7 the individual2 7ii7 a relative 7as defined in section #aji of the ,ethics in ,government ,act of #aigh 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app477 of that individual2 or 7iii7 a business organization or other entity in which the individual has an interest1 including an organization or other entity with which the individual is negotiating employment4 7#h7 ,intellectual property ,the ,board shall adopt written standards to govern the ownership and licensing of any intellectual property rights-- 7,a7 developed by the ,foundation through activities funded by a for-profit subsidiary established under subsection 7e77#f72 or 7,b7 otherwise derived from the collaborative efforts of the ,foundation4 7#i7 ,liability 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,united ,states shall not be liable for any debt1 default1 act1 or omission of-- 7i7 the ,foundation2 or 7ii7 a ,federal entity with respect to an agreement of that ,federal entity with the ,foundation4 7,b7 ,full faith and credit ,the full faith and credit of the ,united ,states shall not extend to any obligations of the ,foundation4 7#aj7 ,nonapplicability of faca ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,foundation4 7g7 ,community advisory committee and report 7#a7 ,composition 7,a7 ,in general ,not later #ij days after the date on which the ,foundation is established1 the ,board shall convene an advisory committee comprised of community members from covered populations and experts with experience providing essential products and service to covered populations4 7,b7 ,stakeholders represented ,to the extent practicable1 the ,board shall ensure that members appointed to the advisory committee under subparagraph 7,a7 represent diverse regions1 sectors1 and communities1 including not less than #a member who is affiliated with1 or has experience working with1 all of the following3 7i7 ,digital inclusion practitioners4 7ii7 ,rural-focused programs4 7iii7 ,members of ,indigenous communities4 7iv7 ,civil rights advocates4 7v7 ,consumer advocates4 7vi7 ,libraries4 7vii7 ,school systems or education technology specialists4 7viii7 ,accessibility advocates or experts4 7ix7 ,retired or older individuals4 7x7 ,private sector internet service providers4 7xi7 ,other relevant groups with experience addressing the access1 adoption1 and affordability of broadband services4 7#b7 ,annual report ,not later than #b years after the date on which the ,foundation is established1 and annually thereafter1 the ,board shall direct the community advisory committee convened under paragraph 7#a7 to submit to the ,board a written report that includes recommended changes1 if any1 to the ,foundation and any other matter the ,board considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,reimbursement for certain expenses ,in accordance with the bylaws of the ,foundation1 members of the community advisory committee convened under paragraph 7#a7 may be reimbursed for travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 and other necessary expenses incurred in carrying out the functions of that advisory committee4 7h7 ,support services ,the ,secretary shall provide facilities1 utilities1 and support services to the ,foundation if the ,secretary determines that the provision of those items is advantageous to the programs of the ,department4 7i7 ,anti-,deficiency act ,section #acda7;a77#a7 of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code 7commonly referred to as the ,anti-,deficiency ,act71 shall not apply to any ,federal officer or employee carrying out any activity of the ,foundation using funds of the ,foundation4 7j7 ,no preemption of authority ,this section shall not preempt any authority or responsibility of the ,secretary under any other provision of law4 7k7 ,transfer funds ,the ,foundation may transfer funds to the ,department1 which shall be subject to all applicable ,federal limitations relating to federally funded research4 7l7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary-- 7#a7 to the ,secretary for fiscal year #bjbc to establish the ,committee2 7#b7 to the ,foundation for fiscal year #bjbd to carry out the activities of the ,foundation2 and 7#c7 to the ,foundation for fiscal year #bjbe1 and each fiscal year thereafter1 for administrative and operational costs4