Broadband for Rural America Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 20, 2021)
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.
What just happenedJul 7, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMay 20, 2021
- Jul 7, 2021Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee - May 21, 2021Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Communications and Technology Subcommittee - May 20, 2021IntroReferralH11100
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 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Energy and Commerce Committee - May 20, 2021IntroReferralH11100
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 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Agriculture Committee - May 20, 2021IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 20, 2021IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House