S 4561 — CLOSE THE GAP Act

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in Senate Current html May 19, 2026

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends existing law to streamline the permitting process for broadband infrastructure on federal land, modifying definitions, requirements, and fees associated with communications use authorizations.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(a)

  The term "covered land" means land managed by the Secretary concerned.

  This introduces a new definition for 'covered land' to clarify that it includes land managed by the relevant Secretaries.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(a)

  The term "communications site" means an area of covered land designated for communications uses. → The term "communications site" means an area of Federal land available for communications use.

  This changes the definition of 'communications site' from being a general area to specifically Federal land.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(a)

  The term "cost recovery fee" means any fee collected by a Federal land management agency related to-- (A) an application for a communications use authorization; or (B) the occupancy and use authorized by a communications use authorization pursuant to and consistent with authorizing law.

  This adds a definition for 'cost recovery fee' related to communications use authorization applications.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(a)

  The term "Federal land" means land under the jurisdiction and management of a Federal land management agency.

  This provides a clear definition for 'Federal land' in the context of the bill.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(a)

  The term "Federal land management agency" means-- (A) the National Park Service; (B) the Bureau of Land Management; (C) the Bureau of Reclamation; (D) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (E) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (F) the Forest Service.

  This lists specific agencies that are considered Federal land management agencies.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(b)

  not later than 1 year after December 20, 2018, the Secretary shall issue regulations— → not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall promulgate regulations—

  This updates the deadline for issuing regulations to align with the enactment date of the new bill.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(b)(2)

  to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the process is uniform and standardized across the organizational units of the Forest Service; → to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the process is uniform and standardized across applicable organizational units;

  This expands the scope of organizational units to include more than just those of the Forest Service.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(c)(2)

  provide for minimum lease terms of not less than 15 years for leases → provide for minimum lease terms of not less than 30 years for leases

  This increases the minimum lease term for communications facilities on covered land from 15 years to 30 years.

• 43 U.S.C. § 1761a(c)(1)(B)(i)

  requiring that the applicant be provided with-- (i) a written decision describing the reasons for the denial; and (ii) an opportunity to cure or appeal the denial;

  This adds requirements for denial procedures, ensuring transparency and opportunities for applicants.

Action History

1. July 15, 2026

   Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

2. May 19, 2026

   Introduced in Senate

3. May 19, 2026

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text: CR S2375-2377)

Sponsors

• Cynthia M. Lummis · Cosponsor
• John R. Curtis · Cosponsor
• John Barrasso · Primary

Subjects