Technical-assistance grants for rural broadband expansion would be restructured under this legislation, which amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The Secretary of Agriculture would award grants to private, nonprofit, and public organizations that help rural communities plan and build broadband networks — covering tasks like preparing grant and loan applications, conducting feasibility studies and market surveys, collecting broadband infrastructure data, and improving the financial management of broadband providers. Eligible recipients span a wide range of organizations, including Tribal governments, state and local governments, colleges and universities (including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions), 501(c)(3) nonprofits, cooperatives, corporations, and limited liability companies, with priority given to organizations already experienced in rural technical assistance. The bill does not set a specific dollar amount or funding cap; it directs the Secretary to make grants under existing authority while broadening who can apply and what services qualify. The measure mainly affects rural residents, farmers, and small businesses currently underserved by high-speed internet.
Congressional Summary
Rural Broadband Assistance ActThis bill provides statutory authority for a grant program that supports the provision of technical assistance and training to facilitate rural broadband expansion. This program is administered by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is known as the Broadband Technical Assistance program.Under the program, USDA makes grants to organizations that will provide or receive broadband-related technical assistance and training. This assistance and training must support expanded broadband access in rural communities. Grantees may provide or receive assistance and training related to (1) identifying broadband funding sources; (2) preparing applications for broadband funding; and (3) improving operations of existing broadband facilities, among other topics.The bill requires USDA to prioritize applicants that have experience providing technical assistance and training to rural entities.Separately, the bill repeals a requirement related to the use of certain funds for a database of rural broadband projects, reporting requirements, and oversight of related USDA broadband programs.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-04-30
- Date Added
- 2026-07-14
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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