Rural Broadband Assistance Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3125
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-30: 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-18T13:43:57Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act (H.R. 3125) aims to improve broadband internet access in rural areas by amending the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. It establishes a program to provide technical assistance and training, helping rural communities apply for and manage federal funding to build or expand broadband infrastructure.
Key Provisions
- Broadband Technical Assistance Program: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary will award grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations. These grants fund technical assistance and training to expand broadband access through USDA programs.
- Types of Assistance Provided:
- Preparing applications for USDA grants, loans, and loan guarantees.
- Identifying funding sources from public, private, and other federal agencies.
- Conducting feasibility studies, financial forecasts, market surveys, environmental reviews, and technical designs for broadband projects.
- Creating reports and surveys to demonstrate the need for broadband, including pricing and funding requests.
- Analyzing and improving operations, such as financial management and efficiency, for broadband facilities.
- Collecting data on broadband infrastructure.
- Addressing other needs as identified by the USDA Secretary.
- Eligible Recipients: Grants go to a wide range of entities, including:
- Federally recognized Tribes or Tribal organizations.
- State or local governments (or their agencies/subdivisions).
- U.S. territories or possessions.
- Institutions of higher education, such as land-grant universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits (tax-exempt charitable organizations under the Internal Revenue Code).
- Cooperatives or mutual organizations.
- Corporations.
- Limited liability companies (LLCs) or limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
- Selection Priorities: Preference is given to organizations with proven experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural groups.
- National and Regional Applications: The USDA will accept applications from qualified organizations to deliver on-site technical assistance and training on a national or multi-state basis.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc) by adding "technical assistance" to the section heading.
- Replaces the existing subsection (e) entirely with the new Broadband Technical Assistance Program, expanding the scope beyond previous public notice, assessments, and reporting requirements to include proactive grants for hands-on support in broadband expansion.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The USDA will administer a new grant program, potentially increasing its workload and budget needs for oversight, but enabling more effective use of existing broadband funding programs.
- On Citizens: Rural residents, especially in underserved areas, could gain better access to high-speed internet, improving education, healthcare, business opportunities, and daily connectivity. Tribes and local communities may see targeted benefits through eligible entity support.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic rural infrastructure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural Communities and Residents: Primary beneficiaries, gaining tools to secure broadband funding and infrastructure.
- Eligible Organizations and Entities: Nonprofits, governments, Tribes, educational institutions, and businesses that can receive grants to provide or access assistance.
- USDA and Federal Agencies: Responsible for program implementation, grant distribution, and coordination with other funding sources.
- Telecommunications Providers and Cooperatives: Indirectly supported through improved project planning and financing for rural broadband deployment.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing federal authority under the Rural Electrification Act without introducing new mandates; emphasizes equitable access for underserved groups like Tribes, aligning with federal trust responsibilities. No apparent conflicts with constitutional provisions, such as equal protection or federalism, as it involves voluntary grants to state, local, and Tribal entities.
- Constitutional: Supports the Commerce Clause by promoting interstate commerce through rural infrastructure, but raises no significant challenges.
- Political: Advances bipartisan goals of rural development and digital equity, potentially bridging urban-rural divides. It may influence future appropriations debates by highlighting needs for broadband investment, without controversial elements like mandates or penalties.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-30: 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.
- 2025-04-30: 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.
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Rural Broadband Assistance Act — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (4 pages)