Middle Mile for Rural America Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5037
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T12:37:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Middle Mile for Rural America Act" (H.R. 5037) aims to improve broadband internet access in rural areas by extending federal support for "middle mile" infrastructure. Middle mile refers to the high-capacity networks that connect local internet service providers to the broader internet backbone, helping bridge connectivity gaps in underserved regions.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-1(g)), which authorizes grants or loans for middle mile broadband projects.
- Extends the authorization period for these programs from fiscal years 2018 through 2023 to fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Prolongs federal funding eligibility for rural broadband infrastructure projects by eight years beyond the original end date of 2023.
- Introduces a two-year gap (2024–2025) before the new period begins, potentially requiring separate appropriations or extensions to cover that interim.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Enhances internet reliability and speed in rural communities, supporting remote work, education, telemedicine, and online services that are often limited in these areas.
- On government agencies: Increases responsibilities for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS), which administers these programs, by extending oversight and funding distribution through 2031.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved rural broadband could indirectly boost U.S. agricultural competitiveness in global markets.
- Overall, promotes economic development in rural economies by reducing the digital divide.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Rural residents and businesses: Primary beneficiaries through better access to high-speed internet.
- Telecommunications and infrastructure providers: Eligible for federal grants or loans to build or upgrade networks.
- Federal agencies: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its RUS division, tasked with implementing the extended programs.
- Congressional representatives: Sponsors from rural districts (e.g., Iowa, New York, Alabama) highlight focus on agricultural and underserved states.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Builds on existing authority under the Rural Electrification Act without creating new regulatory burdens; relies on congressional appropriations to fund the extended period.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, to promote general welfare, particularly in rural infrastructure.
- Political: Reinforces bipartisan support for rural broadband initiatives amid ongoing debates on digital equity; could influence future infrastructure bills by setting a precedent for periodic extensions of such programs.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Vasquez, Gabe [D-NM-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2025-08-26: 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.
- 2025-08-26: 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.
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Middle Mile for Rural America Act — issued 2025-08-26 — PDF (2 pages)