Luján, Matsui Introduce Bill to Fund Digital Literacy

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2026 – A nonprofit foundation to fund digital literacy and broadband adoption efforts nationwide would be established under legislation introduced Wednesday.

Sen. Ben Ray Luján , D-N.M., and Rep. Doris Matsui , D-Calif., introduced the Digital Opportunity Foundation Act of 2026, which would create a foundation to leverage public and private funding for programs that help Americans access and use broadband, digital devices, and emerging technologies.

The foundation would supplement the work of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission by awarding grants, supporting research, providing training, and collecting data on digital inclusion needs.

“In today's world, digital skills are vital for success for students, entrepreneurs, and all Americans,” Luján said in a release. “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.”

“The Digital Opportunity Foundation Act recognizes that closing the digital divide takes more than building broadband networks,” Matsui said. “It requires sustained investment in digital skills, devices, and trusted community partnerships that help people fully participate in our economy and society.”

The foundation would raise and match funding from philanthropic organizations, private-sector partners, and state and local governments. It could award grants for community projects and support training programs, telehealth access, distance learning, workforce development, and artificial intelligence literacy.

The legislation defines digital inclusion broadly, including access to affordable broadband, internet-enabled devices, digital literacy training, technical support, and cybersecurity awareness.

The foundation would be governed by a board of representatives from academia, industry, nonprofits, and philanthropy, alongside nonvoting federal officials including the NTIA administrator and FCC chairman.

Sen. Edward Markey , D-Mass., joined as a co-sponsor. The bill has received endorsements from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Public Knowledge, UnidosUS, Common Cause, Consumer Reports, and the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition.

Michael Calabrese , director of Wireless Future at New America's Open Technology Institute, said the legislation addresses a missing component of federal broadband policy.

“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,” Calabrese said.

Angela Siefer , executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, said demand for digital inclusion services continues to outpace available resources.

“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,” Siefer said.