Technology (Broadband Access) in United States

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 22, 2026

S 4448: Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026

This bill, the Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026, aims to speed up the permitting process for broadband internet projects by requiring federal agencies to create better tracking tools and reporting systems. It mandates the creation of a public dashboard to monitor how grant funds are spent and where broadband service has been established, as well as a tool to help local groups identify and track federal permit requirements. The legislation also requires federal agencies to analyze and report on factors causing delays in processing communications applications and to alert staff when projects are at risk of missing deadlines. Additionally, it clarifies that large-scale broadband construction projects involving over $5 million must undergo environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SRES 688: A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.

This Senate resolution expresses support for library staff across public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States. It highlights the essential services libraries provide, such as equitable internet access, social support, and community resources, while calling for adequate funding at all government levels. The measure reaffirms the right of citizens to freely access information and explicitly supports the ability of library workers to unionize and collectively bargain. Additionally, it defends the civil rights of library staff against intimidation and censorship, noting recent challenges like book bans and the potential elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Libraries Collective Bargaining Broadband Access

in committee · United States · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4528: IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Education to provide long-term funding for infrastructure improvements at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These grants are intended to support projects such as modernizing campus facilities, upgrading technology and broadband systems, enhancing safety measures, and acquiring research equipment, with a specific focus on addressing deferred maintenance and health risks. Priority for funding is given to institutions that demonstrate the greatest need due to facility conditions or financial limitations, as well as those serving high percentages of low-income students. The legislation also includes requirements for recipients to submit detailed plans, engage in community partnerships, and use a portion of funds for administrative costs, while prohibiting the use of money for routine maintenance or athletic facilities.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Higher Education Broadband Access

in committee · United States · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 8144: Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act updates minimum internet speed requirements for projects funded by the Community Connect Grant Program under the Rural Electrification Act. Specifically, it raises the minimum broadband capacity from 10-Mbps to 25-Mbps and from 1-Mbps to 3-Mbps for grant recipients. These changes apply to rural electrification projects and will take effect six months after the law is enacted. The bill directly affects organizations and communities receiving funding through this federal grant program to improve broadband infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

in committee · United States · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 8145: Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act

This bill expands the scope of federal programs supporting rural areas to include cybersecurity support, digital literacy, workforce development, and job training alongside existing telemedicine and distance learning services. It amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to update the section heading and modify multiple subsections to explicitly incorporate these new categories of assistance. The changes apply to programs that provide technical support and educational resources to rural communities, with an effective date set for six months after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Telehealth Workforce Development Broadband Access Cybersecurity Tags Agriculture Rural Communities

in committee · United States · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 8147: Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act

This bill modifies the Rural Electrification Act to require the Secretary of Agriculture to consider broadband affordability when determining which rural households and service areas are unserved. The changes directly affect rural communities by ensuring that high costs are factored into eligibility assessments for federal broadband funding programs. Under the new provisions, officials must evaluate whether existing broadband services are affordable before designating an area as unserved. The amendments will take effect one year after the bill is enacted, allowing time for agencies to update their evaluation criteria.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Agriculture Rural Communities

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 15, 2026

S 3947: REWIRE Act

This bill, known as the REWIRE Act, would streamline the process for upgrading power lines by exempting certain transmission upgrades from detailed environmental reviews when they occur within existing rights-of-way. It specifically allows utilities to replace or upgrade conductors and install new grid technologies without preparing environmental impact statements, provided the work stays within previously disturbed land or current corridors. The legislation also directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create rules that improve financial returns for companies investing in advanced transmission materials like carbon fiber cables. Additionally, the bill establishes a federal modeling program to better predict grid performance and creates a technical assistance clearinghouse to help utilities implement these new technologies.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Pipeline Infrastructure Transmission Broadband Access

in committee · United States · Senate Mar 3, 2026

S 3967: FLOWS Act of 2026

This bill establishes a grant program to help rural water systems adopt digital technologies like sensors, data analytics, and cybersecurity tools to improve water infrastructure management. The Environmental Protection Agency would administer the program, which provides funding for designing, constructing, and maintaining digital systems that monitor water flow, detect leaks, and protect against cyber threats. Grants can also cover software costs and workforce training, with priority given to smaller systems serving fewer than 3,300 people and community-owned organizations. The legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2027 to 2031 and requires a study five years after enactment to evaluate the program's impact on rural water systems.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Broadband Access Cybersecurity Tags Rural Communities

in committee · United States · House Mar 4, 2026

HR 7783: AI-Ready Networks Act

This bill, known as the AI-Ready Networks Act, requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to produce a comprehensive report on how artificial intelligence is being integrated into the United States commercial telecommunications infrastructure. The report must be completed within 18 months of the bill's enactment and will include assessments of international standards, industry use cases, workforce needs, security measures, and recommendations for updating existing telecommunications laws. Before finalizing the report, the Assistant Secretary will publish a draft for public comment and consult with federal agencies, state and local governments, telecommunications companies, and academic organizations to ensure diverse input. The legislation aims to create a clearer understanding of AI's role in telecommunications networks and provide guidance for safe and effective implementation across the industry.

Topics ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Broadband Access Telecommunications

in committee · United States · House Apr 1, 2025

HR 2543: Tax-Free Pell Grant Act

This bill makes Federal Pell Grants tax-free for students, removing the tax burden on these federal education awards. It also expands the American Opportunity Tax Credit to cover eligible child care costs (for students enrolled in school) and up to $1,000 for computer equipment or internet access used for education. These changes apply to tax returns filed for 2025 and later. The bill directly affects students receiving Pell Grants and those claiming the American Opportunity Credit for educational expenses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Higher Education Student Financial Aid Broadband Access

All technology bills