The Digital Literacy and Equity Act of 2026 establishes a federal commission to study digital literacy and equity in the United States, with specific focus on low-income and disadvantaged communities as defined in the bill. The commission will examine current federal, state, and local programs; review international initiatives; and identify best practices to improve digital literacy skills, particularly through early education and community outreach. Within two years, the commission must submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations, including strategies to expand digital literacy access in underserved areas and a proposed national measurement method for digital literacy. This bill creates a study framework but does not mandate immediate policy changes or funding.
The SPEED for BEAD Act (HR 1870) amends the federal broadband deployment program (BEAD) to accelerate network expansion. It defines "gigabit-level broadband" as 1,000 Mbps download speeds, requires unused funds to be returned to the Treasury instead of reallocated, and allows states to remove high-cost locations from project areas. The bill prohibits grant conditions related to labor practices (e.g., union requirements), diversity initiatives, climate policies, or network management rules, while ensuring all broadband technologies meeting speed standards are eligible. It also explicitly bans government regulation of broadband pricing, directly affecting states administering BEAD funds and the internet providers they fund.
This joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.
This symbolic resolution expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for Iranian protesters demanding democracy and human rights. It condemns the Iranian regime's violent suppression of demonstrations, calls for the release of political prisoners, and urges expanded internet access for Iranian citizens. The resolution specifically demands an end to regime violence, recognizes the Iranian people's right to free elections, and asks the U.S. government to coordinate with allies on deterring further brutality. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states congressional support for the protesters' cause.
HR 3125, the Rural Broadband Assistance Act, creates a new USDA grant program to help rural communities access broadband internet. It provides funding for private, nonprofit, or public organizations to offer technical assistance and training directly to eligible entities like tribes, state/local governments, schools, nonprofits, and rural cooperatives. Key provisions include helping these groups prepare grant applications, identify funding sources, conduct feasibility studies, collect infrastructure data, and improve broadband facility management. The program prioritizes organizations with proven experience in rural technical assistance and allows national or multi-state applications for community support.
The LAST ACRE Act of 2025 establishes the "Last Acre Program" to expand high-speed broadband access to agricultural land that lacks sufficient connectivity. The program provides grants and loans to broadband providers to build networks meeting minimum speed requirements (100 Mbps downstream, 20 Mbps upstream) on unserved or underserved cropland, pastureland, and farm sites used for active agricultural production. It prioritizes assistance for limited resource farmers (those with lower income and farm sales) and requires providers to meet cybersecurity standards and submit detailed bid applications. The bill also mandates data collection about agricultural broadband usage and requires annual reporting to Congress on program implementation.
The Broadband Buildout Accountability Act requires the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD) to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This means information about how broadband funds are allocated and used - including grant decisions and project details - will be publicly accessible through standard FOIA requests. The bill directly affects the federal program managing broadband infrastructure funding and the state/local entities receiving these grants. By making the program subject to FOIA, the legislation increases transparency in the use of federal broadband investment dollars.
The SUCCESS for BEAD Act (HR 6920) amends the BEAD program to allow states and other eligible entities to use remaining broadband grant funds for specific purposes. It authorizes the use of these funds for AI-supportive telecommunications infrastructure, workforce development, public safety, and national security initiatives through a competitive subgrant program. The bill establishes specific requirements including a public challenge process for fiber infrastructure projects and priorities for underserved areas and strategic infrastructure. It also includes detailed definitions and requirements for Next Generation 9-1-1 systems in emergency communications centers. The bill provides more specific guidance on how remaining funds can be used without changing the overall BEAD program structure.
This bill requires major internet companies (including social media, streaming services, and app stores) and broadband providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes affordable broadband in rural and high-cost areas. It exempts smaller companies that transmit less than 3% of U.S. broadband data or earn under $5 billion annually. The Federal Communications Commission must create a new support mechanism to help rural broadband providers cover costs, while ensuring contributions remain fair and predictable. The bill explicitly states it does not grant the FCC new authority over these companies.
The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 establishes a federal program to expand high-speed broadband access in underserved rural areas. It provides grants, loans, and combinations of both to eligible entities (like tribes, local governments, or cooperatives) for building broadband infrastructure, requiring new service to offer at least 100 Mbps download and upload speeds. Projects must target areas where at least 75% of households lack such service, with priority for communities where 90% lack it, or those facing economic hardship, isolation, or high poverty. The bill authorizes $650 million annually from 2026-2030 for this program, with funds allocated to ensure projects meet minimum speed standards and serve the most underserved rural households.
