Summary
Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities.
Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan.
The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs. After the rulemaking is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein.
Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.
Legislative Journey
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2977)
HousePassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2977)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 98.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2976-2978)
HouseMr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HouseHeld at the desk.
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseMessage on Senate action sent to the House.
SenatePassed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3570; text: CR S3570)
SenatePassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 48.
SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-14.
SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz without amendment. With written report No. 119-14.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SenateIntroduced in Senate