Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
Passed House
Summary
Creates a new vetting process for High-Cost Universal Service Program funding to ensure only applicants with proven technical, financial, and operational capacity receive awards. The bill also requires enforceable penalties and keeps awards technology neutral.
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- Providers and applicants would need to submit detailed proposals and documentation showing technical, financial, and operational capability and a reasonable business plan. They face penalties for pre-authorization defaults of at least $9,000 per violation and a minimum base forfeiture of 30 percent of their total support.
- Rural communities and consumers could see funding go to more capable firms, because awards must meet FCC performance standards and applicants’ compliance history will be checked.
- The Federal Communications Commission would be required to start a rulemaking within 180 days of enactment and evaluate applicants using well-established technical and financial standards, including those tied to the Digital Opportunity Data Collection.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Tougher checks and fines for broadband funding
The FCC would create a new vetting process for applicants to the high-cost broadband program. It would start a rulemaking within 180 days and require detailed proof of technical, financial, and operational capacity, plus a reasonable business plan. Applications would be judged against established standards and past compliance, using a technology-neutral approach. If an applicant defaults before authorization, fines would be at least $9,000 per violation, with a base forfeiture of no less than 30% of total support unless the FCC shows a need for less. These rules would apply to applications filed on or after the date the FCC finalizes them.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2]
IL • D
Sponsored 3/27/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov