ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025
If enacted, HB 3119 would result in significant improvements to rural infrastructure, particularly in expanding access to high-speed internet. The bill allocates an estimated $650 million annually from 2026 to 2030 for this purpose, ensuring that funds are specifically directed towards areas where at least 75% of households currently lack adequate broadband service. Additionally, it mandates periodic reviews of broadband standards to ensure that they remain relevant for rural communities, thereby fostering continuous improvement in service delivery.
House Bill 3119, titled the 'ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025', aims to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 by establishing a new ReConnect program dedicated to enhancing broadband internet access in rural areas. The bill seeks to provide financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, and combinations of both for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities necessary for broadband service. To qualify for assistance, projects must deliver broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and also meet certain conditions regarding household access in underserved areas.
While the bill has support from various stakeholders who see it as essential for bridging the digital divide, there could be potential points of contention related to the allocation of funds and project prioritization. The bill specifically grants priority to applications for projects in territories with high percentages of low-income families or those experiencing population outmigration. This focus raises discussions on whether all rural areas will equally benefit or if some might be overlooked due to funding limitations or geographic considerations.