Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023
- Last Action
- 6/1/2023
Actions
- 2023-06-01Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2023-05-12Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 2023-05-11Referred 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 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2023-05-11Referred 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 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2023-05-11Introduced in House
- 2023-05-11Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2023-05-11 (00)
Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023
This bill merges the pilot ReConnect Loan and Grant Program with existing loans and grants provided by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to facilitate broadband access to rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband. Unobligated amounts available for the pilot program must be transferred and made available, without further appropriations, to this merged program.
The bill specifies eligibility criteria and other requirements that apply to the merged program. For example, the bill limits funds from the merged program to projects in areas where at least 90% of the households lack sufficient access to broadband services, which is currently required under the pilot program.
Other changes in the bill address procedures for contesting the accuracy of broadband maps that are used to identify eligible areas. It also requires efforts to increase coordination concerning broadband initiatives between USDA, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Telecommunications Information Administration.
Cosponsors (13)
- Darren Soto (D-FL)
- Ronny Jackson (R-TX)
- Marie Perez (D-WA)
- Monica De La Cruz (R-TX)
- Gabe Vasquez (D-NM)
- Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY)
- Jasmine Crockett (D-TX)
- Dina Titus (D-NV)
- David Rouzer (R-NC)
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA)
- Jill Tokuda (D-HI)
- Trent Kelly (R-MS)
- Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
Subjects
- Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
- Computers and information technology
- Congressional oversight
- Government information and archives
- Infrastructure development
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Public utilities and utility rates
- Rural conditions and development
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.