HR 3125 — Rural Broadband Assistance Act

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.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html April 30, 2025

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The bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish a Broadband Technical Assistance Program aimed at enhancing access to broadband services in rural areas.

• Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc)

  subsection (e) → (e) Broadband Technical Assistance Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide or receive eligible entities broadband technical assistance and training to expand access to broadband service in rural communities through the broadband programs of the Department of Agriculture including-- (A) preparing applications for grants, loans and loan guarantees under this section; (B) identifying resources to finance broadband facilities from public and private sources, including other Federal agencies; (C) preparing feasibility studies, financial forecasts, market surveys, environmental studies, and technical design information to support broadband services; (D) preparing reports and surveys necessary to support the need for broadband services, the price range, and request financial assistance; (E) analyzing and improving operation related to the management, including financial management, of broadband facilities and to the efficiency of the entity; (F) collecting broadband infrastructure data; or (G) assisting with other areas of need identified by the Secretary. (2) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to obtain assistance under this subsection, an entity shall be-- (A) a federally recognized Tribe or Tribal entity; (B) a State or local government, including any agency, subdivision, instrumentality, or political subdivision thereof; (C) a territory or possession of the United States; (D) an institution of higher education (including a 1862 Land-Grant Institution, 1890 Land-Grant Institution, 1994 Land-Grant Institution, Hispanic- Serving Institution, or Historically Black College or University); (E) a nonprofit organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (F) a cooperative or mutual organization; (G) a corporation; or (H) a limited liability company or limited liability partnership. (3) Selection priority.--In selecting recipients of grants under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance and training to rural entities. (4) National applications.--The Secretary shall allow applications for grants under this paragraph from qualified organizations for the sole purpose of providing on-site community technical assistance and training on a national or multi-State regional basis.

  This change establishes a new program for providing grants aimed at improving broadband access in rural communities.

• Section 701 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950cc)

  technical assistance,

  This amendment adds technical assistance to the heading of the section, clarifying the scope of activities involved.

Action History

1. April 30, 2025

   Introduced in House

2. April 30, 2025

   Introduced in House

3. April 30, 2025

   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.

4. April 30, 2025

   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.

Sponsors

• David J. Taylor · Primary
• Eric Sorensen · Cosponsor
• Eugene Simon Vindman · Cosponsor

Subjects