Requires the Federal Communications Commission to create a vetting process that checks whether applicants for new high-cost universal service funding have the technical, financial, and operational capability to build and run the network they propose.

• Directs the FCC to begin a rulemaking within 180 days of enactment to set up a vetting process for applicants for new high-cost universal service funding.
• Requires applicants to submit a proposal with enough detail and documentation to show their technical, financial, and operational capabilities and a reasonable business plan.
• Requires the FCC to evaluate proposals against technical standards, including those used for broadband availability reporting, and against the applicant's record of complying with federal broadband funding programs.
• Sets a penalty of at least $9,000 per violation for pre-authorization defaults, with a base forfeiture of at least 30 percent of the applicant's total support, unless the FCC shows a need for lower penalties in a particular case.

• Energy and Commerce Committee (House)

Science, Technology, Communications