Bill · H.R. 3125· House(119-HR-3125)
Rural Broadband Assistance Act
- Introduced
- 4/30/2025
- Last activity
- 4/30/2025 — 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.
- Sponsored by
- David Taylor
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to create a Broadband Technical Assistance Program. This program allows the Secretary to provide grants to various organizations to help eligible entities expand broadband access in rural communities. These grants cover tasks like preparing loan applications, conducting feasibility studies, and improving financial management. Eligible entities include tribal groups, governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private corporations. Priority for grants is given to organizations with experience in providing technical assistance to rural entities.
Yes· 3 of 29
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+10
The bill is specifically targeted at improving broadband access for rural communities.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+10
The primary purpose of the bill is to expand broadband access in rural communities.
Does this invest in rural communities?+9
The bill is specifically designed to provide technical assistance for rural broadband expansion.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Rural Broadband Access: The bill provides technical assistance and training specifically to expand broadband service in rural communities (Section 2, subsection (e)(1)).
-
Support for Application and Planning: Eligible entities can receive help preparing grant and loan applications, conducting market surveys, and creating technical designs (Section 2, subsection (e)(1)(A) and (C)).
-
Financial and Operational Improvement: The program offers assistance in identifying financing resources and improving the financial management and efficiency of broadband facilities (Section 2, subsection (e)(1)(B) and (E)).
-
Broad Eligibility: A wide range of groups can benefit, including federally recognized Tribes, local governments, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits (Section 2, subsection (e)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for people 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+8Good For Business Owners+7Good For Native Americans+7Good For Students+7Good For Children+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Middle Aged+5Good For Seniors+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4Good For Middle Class Households+4Good For People With Disabilities+4Good For Retirees+4Good For Asian Americans+3Good For White Americans+3Good For High Income Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6Improves Economic Growth+5Increases Job Creation+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+10
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+9
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Racial Equity+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+3Improves Mental Health Access+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Interstate Commerce+2Increases Federal Power+1
- 9/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/30/2025
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Eric SorensenDemocrat · Illinois
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia