HR1870119th CongressWALLET

SPEED for BEAD Act

Sponsored By: Representative Hudson

Introduced

Summary

Would streamline and expand broadband deployment under the BEAD program by setting a clear gigabit standard, allowing any technology that meets performance, and limiting grant-related conditions and federal rate-setting.

Show full summary
  • Families and communities: Would treat any technology that meets the performance criteria as reliable broadband and defines gigabit as at least 1,000 megabits per second (1,000 Mbps), broadening which builds qualify.
  • Workers and trainees: Would add telecommunications workforce development as an eligible use of BEAD funds, opening federal support for training and hiring.
  • Local implementers and providers: Would let project applicants remove high-cost locations from defined project areas and still receive subgrants, and would bar grant conditions tied to wages, project labor agreements, union or local-hiring rules, diversity or equity requirements, network management rules like data caps, and certain letters of credit.
  • Program funding rules: Would require unused BEAD allocations, after deadlines, to be transferred to the general fund of the Treasury.

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Limits on BEAD bid conditions

The bill would bar BEAD officials from requiring rules on wages, project labor agreements, union status, local hiring, climate, network practices (like data caps), open access, or diversity/equity programs. It would also restrict certain letters‑of‑credit demands when a provider already runs similar networks and seeks less than 25% of its annual revenue or to serve less than 25% of its locations. These limits would apply even if a state proposed them earlier.

Let bidders drop costly locations

If a state defines a project area, bidders would be able to remove locations that make the job unreasonably costly. The state could then award separate subgrants for the removed sites. This could help smaller providers bid on the rest.

Wider tech options for BEAD builds

The bill would let BEAD projects use any technology that meets the program’s performance rules. Fiber, fixed wireless, or satellite could qualify if they pass the tests. It would also define gigabit‑level service as at least 1,000 megabits per second download. States would use this standard to judge eligible sites and bids.

Unused BEAD money returns to Treasury

If a recipient does not use its full BEAD allocation by the deadline, the unused money would go back to the U.S. Treasury. States or other recipients that miss the deadline would lose access to those funds. This could reduce broadband buildouts where delays occur.

No price setting in BEAD projects

The bill would stop the NTIA and states from setting or capping broadband rates or using prices to score bids. Two exceptions would remain: rate rules approved before enactment, or rate rules tied to a required low‑cost plan. Providers would have more pricing flexibility; consumers could see fewer price controls.

BEAD funds for telecom training

The bill would allow BEAD money to pay for telecom workforce programs. Training, apprenticeships, and similar programs could get funding. Workers who enroll could gain skills for broadband jobs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hudson

NC • R

Cosponsors

  • Allen

    GA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Latta

    OH • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Bilirakis

    FL • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Carter (GA)

    GA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Dunn (FL)

    FL • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Joyce (PA)

    PA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Fulcher

    ID • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Pfluger

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Cammack

    FL • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Obernolte

    CA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Houchin

    IN • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Fry

    SC • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Goldman (TX)

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Crenshaw

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2025

  • Fedorchak

    ND • R

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Miller-Meeks

    IA • R

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Bergman

    MI • R

    Sponsored 3/31/2025

  • Harrigan

    NC • R

    Sponsored 4/7/2025

  • Weber (TX)

    TX • R

    Sponsored 5/21/2025

  • Wittman

    VA • R

    Sponsored 7/14/2025

  • Foxx

    NC • R

    Sponsored 10/3/2025

  • Williams (TX)

    TX • R

    Sponsored 1/7/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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