United StatesRural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
What it does
This act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to vet the qualifications of applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas (e.g., rural communities).
More detail
Specifically, the FCC must develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applicants to submit a proposal that contains sufficient detail and documentation for the FCC to ascertain that the applicant possesses the technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment and has a reasonable business plan. The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs.
The FCC must establish this vetting process through a rulemaking proceeding. After the rule is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein.
Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 11Signed by President.Became Law
- May 11Became Public Law No: 119-89.Minor
- Apr 30Presented to President.To President
- Apr 20Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Apr 20Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2976-2978)
- Apr 20DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 98.
- Apr 20Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2977)Passed House
- Apr 20Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025
- Jul 3Received in the House.
- Jul 3Held at the desk.
- Jun 27Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Jun 26Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3570; text: CR S3570)Passed Senate
- Apr 28Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-14.
- Apr 28Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 48.
- Feb 5Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- Jan 15Introduced in Senate
- Jan 15Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Introduced