Bill · S. 4385· Senate(119-S-4385)
Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 4/27/2026
- Last activity
- 4/27/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Tina Smith
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2026,'' seeks to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Its primary purpose is to reauthorize the Community Connect Grant Program. The legislation updates specific transmission capacity requirements for downstream and upstream connections. It also modifies definitions regarding rural areas and broadband service requirements. Finally, it extends a specific date within the act to the year 2031.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+6
The bill raises required downstream and upstream transmission capacities to ensure better broadband connectivity.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill enhances broadband standards and provides longer program longevity specifically for rural area development.
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill specifically targets rural areas by increasing broadband transmission standards and extending the program through 2031.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Updated Connectivity Standards: The bill increases the required transmission capacity for specific service levels. It changes the requirements from 10-Mbps to 25-Mbps in subparagraph (A) and from 1-Mbps to 3-Mbps in subparagraph (B) under Section 2, paragraph (1)(A).
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Enhanced Capacity Requirements: The bill establishes new specific transmission standards of a 100-Mbps downstream capacity and a 20-Mbps upstream capacity under Section 2, paragraph (1)(A).
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Expanded Service Area Considerations: The bill updates the definition of an eligible area to include any eligible broadband service that will be provided in the future in the eligible service area pursuant to enforceable commitments for network deployment applicable under another broadband funding program under Section 2, paragraph (1)(2).
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Program Longevity: The bill extends the date mentioned in subsection (g) from 2023 to 2031 under Section 2, paragraph (3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated 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+5Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Middle Class Households+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+4Increases Job Creation+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+6
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 4/27/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Introduced in Senate
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.