Broadband for Rural America Act
- Last Action
- 7/7/2021
Actions
- 2021-07-07Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
- 2021-05-21Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
- 2021-05-20Referred 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.
- 2021-05-20Referred 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.
- 2021-05-20Introduced in House
- 2021-05-20Introduced in House
CRS Summary
As of 2021-05-20 (00)
Broadband for Rural America Act
This bill modifies and consolidates Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for expanding broadband internet in rural areas.
Specifically, the bill modifies a program that provides grants, loans, and loan guarantees to support broadband expansion in rural areas. Modifications include revising the criteria used to prioritize applications and projects and changing the name of the program to the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program.
Additionally, the bill terminates on June 30, 2022, a Department of Agriculture (USDA) COVID-19 response program that supports broadband expansion in rural areas for distance learning and telemedicine. Any remaining program funds available after the termination date shall be used for the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program.
The bill also expands coordination requirements that apply to the Department of Commerce, USDA, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This includes requiring the use of specified FCC maps when assessing a community's access to broadband.
Cosponsors (20)
- Michelle Fischbach (R-MN)
- Austin Scott (R-GA)
- James Baird (R-IN)
- Chris Jacobs (R-NY)
- Jim Hagedorn (R-MN)
- Trent Kelly (R-MS)
- Troy Balderson (R-OH)
- Eric Crawford (R-AR)
- Rick Allen (R-GA)
- Vicky Hartzler (R-MO)
- David Rouzer (R-NC)
- Julia Letlow (R-LA)
- Barry Moore (R-AL)
- Kat Cammack (R-FL)
- Tracey Mann (R-KS)
- Dusty Johnson (R-SD)
- Randy Feenstra (R-IA)
- Mary Miller (R-IL)
- Rodney Davis (R-IL)
- Doug LaMalfa (R-CA)
Subjects
- Advanced technology and technological innovations
- Cardiovascular and respiratory health
- Educational technology and distance education
- Emergency medical services and trauma care
- Government information and archives
- Government lending and loan guarantees
- Infectious and parasitic diseases
- Internet, web applications, social media
- 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.