Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for cons…
This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act to create a USDA-administered rural broadband program providing grants, loans, and loan guarantees to build, improve, or acquire broadband facilities in rural areas.
It sets a minimum baseline of 100 Mbps symmetrical service (with periodic Secretary review), prioritizes unserved and small low-income communities, authorizes up to $500 million annually for FY2026–2030, and includes application, eligibility, matching, and technical assistance provisions.
Technocratic, targeted infrastructure bill with moderate cost and clear priorities increases prospects, but funding competition and stakeholder pushback reduce odds.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a well-specified substantive statutory enactment that creates and modifies financial authorities to deploy rural broadband, with substantial detail on definitions, priorities, funding limits, and program mechanics.
Liberal emphasizes equity, 100 Mbps baseline, and tribal/small community targeting.
Liberal emphasizes equity, 100 Mbps baseline, and tribal/small community targeting.
Likely broadly supportive because the bill raises minimum broadband speeds, prioritizes unserved and disadvantaged rural communities, and funds technical assistance and tribal/state applicants.
Concerns would focus on accountability, affordability, open access, and ensuring public-interest outcomes from private recipients.
Generally favorable to modernizing rural broadband with clear buildout standards and technological neutrality, while cautious about cost-effectiveness and administrative implementation.
Would want stronger oversight, clarity on timelines, and assurance that funds are used efficiently.
Mixed to somewhat skeptical: supports rural infrastructure but concerned about federal spending, program duration, and administrative discretion.
Prefers private investment and state/local control, and is wary of broad grant funding and subsidized loan terms.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Technocratic, targeted infrastructure bill with moderate cost and clear priorities increases prospects, but funding competition and stakeholder pushback reduce odds.
The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.
Liberal emphasizes equity, 100 Mbps baseline, and tribal/small community targeting.
Technocratic, targeted infrastructure bill with moderate cost and clear priorities increases prospects, but funding competition and stakeho…
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a well-specified substantive statutory enactment that creates and modifies financial authorities to deploy rural broadband, with substantial detail on definitions,…
Go beyond the headline summary with full stakeholder mapping, legislative design analysis, passage barriers, and lens-by-lens tradeoff breakdowns.