This bill would change rules for the USDA ReConnect broadband grant and loan program. It requires projects funded under ReConnect to provide at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. Applications could not be denied or given lower preference because of the type of technology used, including terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low‑Earth orbit satellite systems. The bill also says section 601(e)(3) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 applies to the program. After an award, the Secretary must publish a report within 30 days showing the number of locations to be served and the technology to be used. When a project finishes, the Secretary must publish the amount of assistance disbursed and how many locations received service. The Secretary of Agriculture must issue final regulations to implement these changes within 180 days of enactment.
If you live in an area that might get ReConnect funding, projects that receive assistance must meet the 100/20 speed standard. Projects cannot be excluded or ranked lower just because they use a particular technology, such as fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite, and the agency must publicly report planned technology and locations served after awards and actual disbursements after project completion. The bill was introduced Sept 3, 2026, by Representative David Schweikert and is referred to committee for consideration.
The bill text requires public reporting on amounts disbursed for completed projects, but it does not include cost estimates, appropriation amounts, or a federal budget impact statement. No publicly available information on overall federal costs or estimated budgetary effects is provided in the bill text.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.