Bill · H.R. 8147· House(119-HR-8147)
Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act
- Introduced
- 3/27/2026
- Last activity
- 3/27/2026 — 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
- April McClain Delaney
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act" changes how the Department of Agriculture awards grants for rural broadband. It requires the Secretary to consider whether broadband service is affordable when deciding if a household or service territory is "unserved." These changes apply to Section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The law would take effect one year after it is enacted.
Yes· 3 of 24
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+9
The primary target group that will benefit from more affordable broadband grants.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+8
Directly targets the affordability of broadband, making it more accessible for low-income rural families.
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+8
Expands eligibility for grants by considering affordability, potentially increasing the number of people with access.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Broadband Accessibility: By requiring the Secretary to consider affordability when determining if a household or service territory is unserved (Section 2), people who cannot afford existing services may now be counted as unserved, potentially opening up more grant funding for affordable options.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Delayed Implementation: The amendments do not take effect until one year after the date of enactment (Section 3), meaning people would not see these changes in grant considerations immediately.
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+9Good For Low Income Households+8Good For Farmers+7Good For Students+6Good For Native Americans+5Good For Business Owners+3Good For Children+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For People With Disabilities+3Good For Retirees+3Good For Seniors+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For African Americans+1Good For Hispanic Americans+1Good For Veterans+1Good For White Americans+1
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+8
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+7
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Improves Small Business Support+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+2Improves Mental Health Access+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2026
- 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Robert BresnahanRepublican · Pennsylvania
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York