Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9521
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T21:29:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to extend the expenditure deadlines for certain federal funds allocated under title VI of the Social Security Act specifically for broadband infrastructure projects.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The bill is designated as the "Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act."
- Amendments to Existing Sections:
- Section 602(c)(5)(E) (State Fiscal Recovery Fund) is updated to allow broadband-related funds to be spent through September 30, 2027.
- Section 603(c)(6)(D) (Local Fiscal Recovery Fund) is updated to allow broadband-related funds to be spent through September 30, 2027.
- Section 604 (Capital Projects Fund) is amended by redesignating subsection (d) as (e) and adding a new subsection (d) permitting broadband-related funds to be expended prior to January 1, 2028.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill introduces extensions to the original deadlines for using these funds on broadband projects, overriding prior restrictions that would have required earlier expenditure. It applies only to broadband infrastructure and does not alter other uses of the funds.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: State and local governments, as well as federal oversight bodies, gain additional time to allocate and spend recovery and capital project funds on broadband initiatives.
- Citizens: Residents in areas targeted for broadband expansion may benefit from prolonged project timelines, potentially leading to improved internet access.
- International Relations: No direct effects are outlined in the bill.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State governments receiving Fiscal Recovery Fund payments.
- Local governments receiving Fiscal Recovery Fund payments.
- Recipients of Capital Projects Fund allocations.
- Entities involved in broadband infrastructure development, such as service providers and project contractors.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill represents a targeted adjustment to federal spending authority under the Social Security Act, consistent with Congress's power to appropriate and modify funding conditions. It does not introduce new regulatory requirements or address constitutional questions regarding federal-state relations in infrastructure funding.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Broadband Infrastructure Extension Act — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (2 pages)