David Schweikert (R-AZ)
Rural Broadband Modernization Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — 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.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is called the "Rural Broadband Modernization Act". It changes the ReConnect program to ensure that loan or grant eligibility is not based on the type of technology used to provide broadband. This includes terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems. To be eligible, projects must provide a transmission capacity of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream. The Secretary must also provide public reports on the locations served, technology used, and funds disbursed. Finally, the Secretary of Agriculture has 180 days to create regulations to implement these changes.
Yes· 3 of 26
- Scored +10
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill's primary purpose is to modernize and expand broadband access for rural populations.
- Scored +9
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The bill is specifically designed to increase broadband availability and accessibility in rural areas.
- Scored +8
Does this invest in rural communities?
Directly aims to modernize and expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Technology Neutrality: Applications for loans or grants cannot be denied or given less preference based on the technology used, including satellite systems. This ensures more options for providing broadband (Section 2(a)).
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Minimum Speed Standards: Projects must provide at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, ensuring a specific level of service capacity (Section 2(a)).
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Public Accountability: The Secretary must release public reports on the number of locations served, the technology used, and the amount of assistance disbursed after projects are awarded and completed (Section 2(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill's primary purpose is to modernize and expand broadband access for rural populations. Would farmers be better off under this? — Provides critical infrastructure for precision agriculture and farm management. Would business owners be better off under this? — Enables rural businesses to compete in the digital economy. Would students be better off under this? — Crucial for homework, online learning, and research in rural areas. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Increases the availability of essential communication infrastructure in underserved areas. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Significantly benefits tribal lands and rural indigenous communities often lacking broadband. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Crucial for accessing telehealth and staying connected in remote areas. Would children be better off under this? — Improves internet access for students in rural areas for educational purposes. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Provides better connectivity for rural homeowners and professionals. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Provides more options and potentially better service quality for rural residents. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Increases access to remote services and adaptive digital tools. Would retired people be better off under this? — Facilitates easier access to healthcare and social connectivity. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Improves access to digital health and benefit services for rural veterans. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Enhances remote work and education opportunities for young adults in rural settings. Would high-income households be better off under this? — General improvement of local infrastructure benefits all residents.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Better rural connectivity allows small businesses in remote areas to access global markets. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Expanded rural internet access stimulates local economic activity and digital commerce. Is this likely to create jobs? — Increased broadband deployment typically creates infrastructure and installation jobs.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill is specifically designed to increase broadband availability and accessibility in rural areas.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — Directly aims to modernize and expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas.
- Healthcare
- Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Broadband expansion is a critical driver for telehealth adoption in underserved rural areas. Does this make mental health care easier to get? — Increased broadband enables better access to telehealth and remote mental health services. Does this help veterans get medical care? — Rural veterans can better utilize telehealth services via improved internet access.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires public reporting on fund disbursement, locations served, and technology used.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — Improves the ability of rural veterans to access digital benefits and health services.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — Closing the digital divide helps rural residents access education and employment opportunities.
- 9/3/2026
- 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