Luján, Matsui Introduce Legislation to Expand Digital Opportunity, Inclusion, and Literacy

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) introduced the bicameral Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026. This legislation would establish a nonprofit foundation that would leverage public and private investments to expand digital opportunity nationwide, ensuring that people can access, adopt, and effectively use modern digital tools, broadband, and other emerging technologies. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.).

The Foundation for Digital Opportunity will supplement the work of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to award grants, support research, provide training and education, engage with stakeholders, collect data, and promote policies that improve digital opportunities. The Foundation will be governed by a Board of experts specializing in digital opportunity, technology, and telecommunications, representing diverse communities across the United States.

"In today's world, digital skills are vital for success for students, entrepreneurs, and all Americans," said Senator Luján. "To expand digital opportunity in New Mexico and nationwide, my Digital Opportunity Foundation Act would establish a nonprofit foundation to help close the divide on digital opportunity, inclusion, and literacy. As digital tools become more embedded in everyday life, we must ensure that we keep pace. That's why I'm pushing this legislation to expand digital opportunities for all Americans and ensure they have full access to the tools and resources they need."

"Access to the internet is not optional. It is how Americans learn, apply for jobs, access healthcare, and stay connected to one another. Yet too many families are being left behind, unable to fully plug into opportunity because of where they live, how much they make, or whether they have the tools to get online," said Congresswoman Matsui. "The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act recognizes that closing the digital divide takes more than building broadband networks. It requires sustained investment in digital skills, devices, and trusted community partnerships that help people fully participate in our economy and society. I am proud to support this legislation to help make lasting digital equity a reality for communities across the country."

"In the digital age, a reliable internet connection is the gateway to a good job, a quality education, and timely health care," said Senator Markey. "When communities are left without the internet connections or digital tools they need to thrive, they're left out of the modern economy entirely. The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act will help close the digital divide and build a future where every person - regardless of their zip code or income level - can participate fully in modern life."

Congressionally established nonprofit foundations have had great success in supporting the missions of various government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Park Service (NPS), and provide a mechanism to leverage public-private partnerships and support innovation. As the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) works to implement broadband programs to better connect the country, the Foundation for Digital Opportunity will be vital to ensure that the most vulnerable communities have the knowledge and skills to fully take advantage of these new connections.

"Sustained investments in digital literacy and adoption efforts at the community level are the missing component of our nation's ongoing efforts to close the digital divide. The need for this investment is more urgent than ever as the nation prepares to incorporate AI into nearly everything we do online and on digital devices. AI will rely first and foremost on local broadband adoption and baseline digital literacy programs that currently lack federal support. We commend Senator Luján and Representative Matsui for proposing this innovative Foundation to promote digital opportunity for all Americans," said Michael Calabrese, Director of Wireless Future at New America's Open Technology Institute.

"To keep our seniors safe online, teach veterans how to navigate telehealth, and guide workers in how to use AI to advance their careers the U.S. needs sustained investment in digital opportunity programs. While NDIA's community of 2000+ Affiliates has the expertise and the trust of their neighbors, they simply cannot meet the ever-increasing demand for digital inclusion support without a federal strategy and funding. And yet the greatest strength in our country has always been its people. To value our people in the 21st century's digital world, we cannot treat consistent access to the internet, appropriate devices, and digital skill-building as luxuries-they are essential to a healthy and economically thriving democracy and most importantly, our people. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance enthusiastically endorses the Digital Opportunity Act because it puts people first and is the sustainable investment in digital opportunity that all U.S. residents need to thrive," said Angela Siefer, Executive Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

This Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026 is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union; American Library Association; Benton Institute for Broadband & Society; Center for Rural Strategies; Common Cause; Common Sense Media; Communications Workers of America; Consumer Reports; CoSN; Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; National Consumer Law Center; National Hispanic Media Coalition; National Urban League; National Digital Inclusion Alliance; Open Technology Institute at New America; Public Knowledge; Schools Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition; UnidosUS; United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry.

Additional quotes from endorsing organizations are available HERE.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.