hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Requires rural broadband grants to consider internet affordability.
Rep. McClain Delaney (R) and Rep. Bresnahan (D) introduced.
Introduced, referred to House committees.
This bill, introduced on March 27, 2026, by Rep. McClain Delaney (R) and Rep. Bresnahan (D), requires federal grant programs for rural broadband to consider whether existing internet service is affordable when deciding which areas are 'unserved'. Currently, 'unserved' often only refers to areas without any broadband. It has been referred to the House Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce for review.
Introduced Mar 27, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 27, 2026, and immediately sent to the House Committees on Agriculture and Energy and Commerce. These committees will now review the bill, potentially hold hearings, and may make changes before deciding whether to recommend it for a vote by the full House of Representatives. It is currently in the committee stage.
If this bill becomes law, the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be required to consider if existing broadband internet service is affordable when awarding grants for rural broadband. This means communities where internet service is available but too expensive for many residents could become a higher priority for federal funding. This change would expand the definition of 'unserved' areas to include those where broadband is not affordable, not just those without any service.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this ensures federal funds address the real barrier to internet access: cost.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about defining and measuring 'affordability' in practice.
Supporters of the bill argue that ensuring broadband is affordable is just as important as making it available, and this change would make federal investments in rural internet more effective. They believe it would help close the 'affordability gap' in rural communities. Critics might express concerns that defining and consistently measuring 'affordability' could be a complex administrative challenge, potentially slowing down the grant allocation process or diverting resources from areas with no service at all.