{
  "schemaVersion": 1,
  "deskKey": "GAO-22-104915:congressional-matter-1",
  "title": "FirstNet continuity and fee revenue",
  "page": "https://america.co/oversight/firstnet-continuity",
  "selectedAction": "Matter for Consideration 1",
  "actorType": "congress",
  "owner": "Congress",
  "source": {
    "report": "GAO-22-104915",
    "url": "https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-22-104915",
    "published": "2022-02-22",
    "publiclyReleased": "2022-02-22",
    "consulted": "2026-10-05",
    "statusInConsultedSource": "Open",
    "latestSelectedCommentAsOf": "2026-01"
  },
  "progressSummary": "GAO’s January 2026 comment says Congress had not reauthorized FirstNet as of that comment and that GAO would continue monitoring. That dated statement is not an independently verified claim about every legislative development since then.",
  "annualContext": {
    "report": "GAO-26-108505",
    "url": "https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-26-108505",
    "published": "2026-05-12",
    "benefitType": "revenue-continuity",
    "estimateAsReported": "$15 billion / 15 years",
    "timeHorizon": "15 years of remaining scheduled payments",
    "estimateAttribution": "GAO analysis of FirstNet contract, cited May 2026",
    "scope": "Topic-level; not a price tag solely on the selected action",
    "basis": "GAO’s 2026 annual report cites $15 billion over 15 years from its analysis of the FirstNet contract. Its footnote says the fate of remaining scheduled payments is unclear if FirstNet sunsets in 2027. This is a fee-revenue and authority issue—not an interchangeable spending-cut estimate."
  },
  "boundary": "The record does not say the network currently lacks service or that $15 billion has been recovered. Original 25-year contract amounts and remaining 15-year scheduled payments describe different periods and must not be added.",
  "evidenceToCloseSummary": "Legislative action resolving the matter’s relevant authorities and responsibilities, followed by GAO’s assessment. Track enactment and operational responsibilities separately from introduced bills or public endorsements.",
  "proposedEvaluation": {
    "notOfficialProcedure": true,
    "test": "Map each responsibility to an entity and legal authority before and after the proposed change. Include continuity, spectrum, contract duties, fees, reinvestment rules, and the voice of public-safety users.",
    "questions": [
      "Which authority covers each responsibility after the sunset date?",
      "Who can collect and reinvest the scheduled payments?",
      "How are first responders’ operational needs protected during any transition?"
    ]
  },
  "cashAvailable": false,
  "actualSavingsAsserted": false,
  "coverage": "One selected action; not every recommendation in the report",
  "compiler": "America.co public-resource desk; AI-assisted; no expert review claimed"
}