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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.R. 8147· 119th Congress

Bill to Make Rural Broadband More Affordable

Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act

Sponsor
April McClain Delaney (D-MD)
Introduced
Mar 27, 2026
Last Action
Mar 27, 2026
Passage
12%
Introduced
Mar 27, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Detailed analysis pending — official summary not yet published by Congress.
  • Based on title alone: likely addresses broadband costs for rural Americans who lack internet access or pay premium rates.
  • Referred to Agriculture and Energy committees, suggesting focus on infrastructure and rural development programs.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Rural residents pay more for slower internet than urban counterparts, limiting job opportunities and access to remote services.
  • Farmers, small businesses, and students in underserved areas stand to benefit if bill reduces subscription costs or expands service.
  • Success depends on funding source — could shift costs to taxpayers, internet providers, or existing government budgets.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Bill introduced March 27, 2026 and split between two committees — Agriculture and Energy Commerce — for review. No hearing scheduled yet.
  • Check Congress.gov in 4-6 weeks for committee vote or markup activity indicating momentum.
  • Tell your House rep if rural broadband affordability matters to you — committee members track constituent feedback.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Mar 27, 2026Referred 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.
  • Mar 27, 2026Referred 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.
  • Mar 27, 2026Introduced in House
  • Mar 27, 2026Introduced in House