Agriculture Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act proposes to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, establishing a new Broadband Technical Assistance Program . This program authorizes the Secretary to award grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide crucial technical assistance and training to eligible entities, aiming to expand access to broadband service in rural communities through Department of Agriculture initiatives. The technical assistance covers a broad spectrum of activities, including preparing applications for grants and loans, identifying diverse financing resources, and conducting essential studies like feasibility and market surveys. It also supports collecting broadband infrastructure data and analyzing operational efficiency for broadband facilities. Eligible entities include federally recognized Tribes, state and local governments, higher education institutions, and various private and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary will prioritize grant recipients with proven experience in delivering technical assistance, and the program allows for national or multi-State regional applications for on-site community support.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
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
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.
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act proposes to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, establishing a new Broadband Technical Assistance Program . This program authorizes the Secretary to award grants to private, nonprofit, or public organizations to provide crucial technical assistance and training to eligible entities, aiming to expand access to broadband service in rural communities through Department of Agriculture initiatives. The technical assistance covers a broad spectrum of activities, including preparing applications for grants and loans, identifying diverse financing resources, and conducting essential studies like feasibility and market surveys. It also supports collecting broadband infrastructure data and analyzing operational efficiency for broadband facilities. Eligible entities include federally recognized Tribes, state and local governments, higher education institutions, and various private and nonprofit organizations. The Secretary will prioritize grant recipients with proven experience in delivering technical assistance, and the program allows for national or multi-State regional applications for on-site community support.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
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
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.