Technology (Rural Communities)

in committee · United States · House Sep 3, 2026

HR 10288: Rural Broadband Modernization Act

The Rural Broadband Modernization Act amends the ReConnect program to ensure that broadband projects are eligible for federal loans and grants based on performance standards rather than the specific technology used. The bill requires that funded projects provide internet speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 20 Mbps upstream, while prohibiting agencies from denying or deprioritizing applications because they use terrestrial, non-terrestrial, or low-Earth orbit satellite systems. This change directly affects rural communities and service providers by allowing a wider range of delivery methods to compete for funding. Additionally, the law mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture publish public reports on awarded projects within 30 days and issue final implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill expands rural internet access by funding broadband projects and removing technology-specific restrictions to ensure high-speed connectivity.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · Senate Aug 7, 2026

S 5360: Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act

The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act establishes a federal program to provide grants and technical assistance to small electric utilities, including rural cooperatives, municipally owned systems, and smaller investor-owned companies. The program aims to help these entities deploy advanced cybersecurity technologies and participate in threat information sharing networks to better protect against cyberattacks. Funding is prioritized for utilities with limited security resources or those operating critical infrastructure that supports the national power grid. The bill authorizes $250 million in appropriations over five years, from fiscal year 2027 through 2031, and exempts shared cybersecurity information from public disclosure under freedom of information laws.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyThe bill funds cybersecurity for electric utilities, directly protecting energy infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of the power grid.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyThe bill explicitly funds cybersecurity technologies and threat sharing for utilities, directly enhancing digital security infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Cybersecurity Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House Jul 23, 2026

HR 9908: Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act

The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a workforce development plan aimed at training cybersecurity professionals specifically for rural hospitals. This strategy requires the Secretary to consult with various federal agencies and healthcare representatives while focusing on partnerships, curriculum development, and identifying local security challenges. Additionally, the bill mandates the publication of free instructional materials and an awareness campaign to help rural hospital staff learn fundamental cybersecurity skills. The legislation does not authorize any new funding, relying instead on existing resources to implement these training and educational initiatives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens rural hospital cybersecurity, protecting patient data and enhancing healthcare infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill creates a workforce development plan to train cybersecurity professionals, expanding employment opportunities in rural hospitals.65% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly enhances cybersecurity for rural hospitals by funding workforce development and training professionals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Workforce Development Tags Cybersecurity Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 5003: ACCESS Rural America Act

The ACCESS Rural America Act exempts small rural telephone companies from specific federal registration requirements for selling securities. To qualify for this exemption, the companies must provide broadband internet access and submit a financial summary to investors that includes subscriber data and key financial statements. The bill applies only to issuers with fewer than 100,000 broadband subscribers and securities held by more than 500 non-accredited investors but fewer than 2,000 total holders. This change aims to simplify the process for these rural providers to raise capital by reducing regulatory burdens.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands broadband internet access in rural areas and mandates financial transparency for providers, promoting digital equity and infrastructure growth.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House May 15, 2026

HR 8866: Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends funding and updates rules for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, which supports economic development in specific geographic areas. The bill defines eligible organizations as state or nonprofit groups that provide direct financing, commercialization services, and entrepreneurial support to local businesses. It mandates that the federal government cover up to 90 percent of project costs and requires outreach to rural communities and areas facing economic hardship. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 and allows the use of previously unspent funds to continue the program.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill extends funding and updates rules for the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, directly advancing technology infrastructure and economic development.85% confidence

Tags Economic Development Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · Senate Apr 27, 2026

S 4385: Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2026

The Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2026 modifies the Rural Electrification Act to update eligibility criteria for broadband funding in rural areas. It raises the minimum internet speed requirements for grant recipients, increasing downstream capacity from 100 Mbps to 100 Mbps and upstream capacity from 20 Mbps to 20 Mbps, while also adjusting specific speed thresholds for other categories. Additionally, the bill extends the deadline for certain program provisions from 2023 to 2031 and clarifies that future broadband commitments count toward eligibility. These changes directly affect rural communities and the financial institutions that administer broadband infrastructure grants.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands broadband access by raising speed requirements and extending funding deadlines, directly promoting digital equity and internet access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House Feb 9, 2026

HR 7444: Protecting Rural Telehealth Access Act

This bill expands Medicare telehealth access for rural and underserved communities by removing geographic restrictions on where telehealth services can originate and allowing more services to be provided from patients' homes. It enables critical access hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and rural health clinics to receive full reimbursement for telehealth services and permits audio-only technology for certain appointments starting in 2027. The legislation also establishes permanent payment rates for telehealth services provided by these facilities and requires a review of audio-only technology use within five years to assess its impact on access and clinical appropriateness.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicare telehealth access, removes geographic restrictions, increases reimbursement for rural facilities, and improves patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands telehealth access and removes geographic restrictions, promoting digital equity and technology adoption in healthcare.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare Mental Health Telehealth Tags Rural Communities

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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 ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill increases minimum broadband speed requirements for rural electrification projects, expanding internet access and promoting digital equity in underserved communities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access Telecommunications Tags Rural Communities

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in committee · United States · House Mar 27, 2026

HR 8146: Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act

This bill creates a web-based platform for rural communities receiving federal assistance from the Rural Utilities Service to track their project status through permitting and review stages. It also establishes new grants to help eligible entities with pre-development planning and requires improvements to grant application timelines and online submission processes. The legislation authorizes funding for developing and maintaining the tracking platform, provides up to $15 million annually for planning grants, and mandates regular reports to Congress on program performance and efficiency.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens rural utility infrastructure by improving project tracking, funding pre-development planning, and streamlining grant processes for energy projects.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates web-based platform for rural communities to track projects, improving digital infrastructure and online access for underserved areas.75% confidence

Tags Rural Communities

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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 ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands federal programs to include digital literacy and distance learning support for rural areas, enhancing educational access and infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands telemedicine access and digital literacy in rural areas, improving healthcare service delivery and patient access to medical professionals.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands workforce development and job training programs, directly supporting labor and employment by enhancing worker skills and employment opportunities.75% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly expands federal programs to include cybersecurity support, digital literacy, and workforce development, directly advancing technology access and digital equity in rural areas.95% confidence

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

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