Bill · H.R. 10288· House(119-HR-10288)
Rural Broadband Modernization Act
- Introduced
- 9/3/2026
- Last activity
- 9/3/2026 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- David Schweikert
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "Rural Broadband Modernization Act". It changes the ReConnect program to ensure that loan or grant eligibility is not based on the type of technology used to provide broadband. This includes terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems. To be eligible, projects must provide a transmission capacity of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. The Secretary must also provide public reports on the locations served, technology used, and funds disbursed. Finally, the Secretary of Agriculture has 180 days to create regulations to implement these changes.
Yes· 3 of 26
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+10
The bill's primary purpose is to modernize and expand broadband access for rural populations.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+9
The bill is specifically designed to increase broadband availability and accessibility in rural areas.
Does this invest in rural communities?+8
Directly aims to modernize and expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Technology Neutrality: Applications for loans or grants cannot be denied or given less preference based on the technology used, including satellite systems. This ensures more options for providing broadband (Section 2(a)).
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Minimum Speed Standards: Projects must provide at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, ensuring a specific level of service capacity (Section 2(a)).
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Public Accountability: The Secretary must release public reports on the number of locations served, the technology used, and the amount of assistance disbursed after projects are awarded and completed (Section 2(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+10Good For Farmers+7Good For Business Owners+6Good For Students+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Children+4Good For Middle Aged+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For Retirees+4Good For Veterans+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For High Income Households+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+9
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+8
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+4Improves Mental Health Access+2Improves Veterans Healthcare+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 9/3/2026
- 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.
- Introduced in House