ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025

Expanded Internet Access: The bill provides funding for the construction and improvement of broadband facilities in rural areas to ensure high-quality voice, data, graphics, and video transmission. (Section 2(b)(1))

High Speed Standards: The bill requires projects to provide a minimum of 100-Mbps downstream and 100-Mbps upstream capacity. (Section 2(c)(2)(A))

Support for Vulnerable Groups: Priority is given to projects serving high percentages of low-income families, isolated population centers, and areas with populations under 10,000. (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(i))

Help for Tribal and Poor Communities: Grant-only awards are available specifically for Tribal organizations, colonias, persistent poverty counties, or socially vulnerable communities. (Section 2(c)(4)(A))

Agricultural Benefits: The bill allows priority for the deployment of broadband on cropland and ranchland to support precision agriculture. (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(iii))

Affordability Requirements: Entities receiving funds must participate in programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program or the Lifeline program to help people afford service. (Section 2(d)(1)(A)(iii))

Fair Wages: Priority may be given to projects that ensure laborers and mechanics are paid wages at least as high as prevailing local rates. (Section 2(c)(3)(B)(ii))

Limited Funding Duration: The authority to make grants or loans under this section expires on September 30, 2030, which may limit long-term availability of funds. (Section 2(k))

Cost Sharing Burden: The Secretary may require eligible entities to provide a cost share of up to 25 percent of the requested grant amount. (Section 2(d)(2)(A))

Restrictive Eligibility: Individuals and legal general partnerships formed with individuals are not eligible to receive grants or loans. (Section 2(d)(1)(C))