Rural communities waiting for faster internet infrastructure would get continued federal support under this bill, which reauthorizes a broadband program that expired years ago. The Rural Electrification Act currently authorizes funding for "middle mile" internet infrastructure -- the fiber-optic lines that connect local internet providers to the wider internet backbone -- only through 2023. This bill extends that authorization through 2031, letting the U.S. Department of Agriculture keep funding projects that bring higher-speed internet closer to rural areas. It does not create a new program or change how the funding works, but it keeps the door open for rural broadband expansion grants for another five years.
Congressional Summary
Middle Mile for Rural America ActThis bill reauthorizes through FY2031 a Department of Agriculture program to support middle mile broadband infrastructure in rural areas. Under the program, middle mile infrastructure is broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to end users (including anchor institutions) and may include interoffice transport, backhaul, internet connectivity, data centers, or special access transport to rural areas.The program provides grants, loans, and loan guarantees for middle mile projects in rural areas. It was established in 2018 but has not been funded.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- Senate
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in Senate
- Action Date
- 2026-01-14
- Date Added
- 2026-07-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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