H.R. 2399 Passed the House Science, Technology, Communications

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

To require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a vetting process for prospective applicants for high-cost universal service program funding.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9] Introduced March 27, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action April 29, 2025

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.  

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Apr 29, 2025 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 61.
  2. Apr 28, 2025 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Apr 28, 2025 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1662-1663)
  4. Apr 28, 2025 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2399.
  5. Apr 28, 2025 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1662-1663)
  6. Apr 28, 2025 Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  7. Apr 24, 2025 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 55.
  8. Apr 24, 2025 Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-78.
  9. Apr 8, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 1.
  10. Apr 8, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  11. Mar 27, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  12. Mar 27, 2025 Introduced in House

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