Bill > S3084

This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish the ReConnect program, which aims to improve broadband internet access in rural areas by providing grants, loans, and combinations of grants and loans to eligible entities. The bill defines rural areas as places with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants and sets a minimum broadband service standard of 100 Mbps downstream and upstream transmission capacity. Eligible entities include state and local governments, Indian Tribes, cooperatives, corporations, and other organizations, but exclude individuals and general partnerships. The program prioritizes projects in areas where at least 90% of households lack adequate broadband service, with special consideration for small, isolated, or low-income communities. Applicants must agree to complete broadband infrastructure buildout within 5 years and participate in internet affordability assistance programs. The bill authorizes $650 million annually from fiscal years 2026 to 2030 for the program, with up to 5% allocated for administration. Additionally, it provides $350 million annually for additional rural broadband program loans and will terminate grant and loan authority after September 30, 2030.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3084/all-info