April McClain Delaney (D-MD)
Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
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, known as the "Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act," requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a web-based platform for tracking project statuses. This platform is intended to improve predictability and accountability for those receiving Federal financial assistance through the Rural Utilities Service. The bill also establishes grants for predevelopment planning, permitting, and early-stage project preparation. Additionally, it directs the creation of regulations to improve the timelines for notices of funding opportunities. The legislation also mandates that grant applications be submitted through an online system. Finally, it requires a staff assessment to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of various programs.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill is explicitly designed to modernize service delivery and project tracking for the Rural Utilities Service.
- Scored +6
Does this invest in rural communities?
The bill specifically targets the modernization of the Rural Utilities Service through better tracking, predevelopment grants, and predictable funding timelines.
- Scored +5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The establishment of a web-based platform enables project recipients to track their application status and interact directly with offices.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Project Tracking: The establishment of a secure, web-based platform will allow recipients to track their project status throughout the permitting and review process, which includes environmental and interagency coordination (Section 2(a)).
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Increased Transparency and Predictability: The platform will provide clear status indicators, estimated timelines for each phase, and automated notifications when a project advances or requires action (Section 2(b)).
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Enhanced Communication: The new system will allow applicants to upload and download documents and correspond directly with relevant Rural Utilities Service offices (Section 2(b)).
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Support for Predevelopment Costs: Eligible entities that cannot finance predevelopment work through borrowing can receive grants covering up to 75 percent of the cost for activities like feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical training (Section 3(b), 3(c), and 3(d)).
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Better Funding Predictability: The mandate for new regulations aims to provide uniform or sector-specific timelines for notices of funding opportunities, improving predictability for major program areas like electricity, telecommunications, and water (Section 4(a)).
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Streamlined Applications: The requirement for an online system for grant applications is intended to modernize the application process (Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Strict Grant Usage Rules: Grants for predevelopment cannot be used to reimburse any costs for work that was completed before the grant was actually awarded (Section 3(e)).
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Electronic Application Barriers: While an online system is required for grant applications, the bill acknowledges that some applicants may be unable to use it, requiring the provision of alternative means (Section 5).
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 is explicitly designed to modernize service delivery and project tracking for the Rural Utilities Service. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Improvements to water, waste, and telecommunications infrastructure can benefit low-income rural households.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Streamlining rural utilities infrastructure through improved tracking and predevelopment grants can foster economic activity in rural areas. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides grants to help entities that cannot finance predevelopment work through borrowing. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill provides grants for predevelopment planning which can support the initiation of new infrastructure projects.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill specifically targets the modernization of the Rural Utilities Service through better tracking, predevelopment grants, and predictable funding timelines. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — The bill modernizes the tracking and planning for rural utility projects which can include renewable energy infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The establishment of a web-based platform enables project recipients to track their application status and interact directly with offices.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The bill includes sector-specific timelines for telecommunications and broadband to improve the predictability of such projects.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — Improved water and waste disposal infrastructure through the Rural Utilities Service can support better living conditions.
- 4/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Robert BresnahanRepublican · Pennsylvania
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Josh RileyDemocrat · New York