S. 98 Became law · Public Law 119-89 Science, Technology, Communications

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

A bill 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 Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV] Introduced January 15, 2025 Cosponsors 4 (1 R, 3 D) Latest action May 11, 2026

Summary

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
This act requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to vet the qualifications of applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas (e.g., rural communities).
Specifically, the FCC must 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 applicants to submit a proposal that contains sufficient detail and documentation for the FCC to ascertain that the applicant possesses the technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment and has 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.
The FCC must establish this vetting process through a rulemaking proceeding. After the rule 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. May 11, 2026 Became Public Law No: 119-89.
  2. May 11, 2026 Signed by President.
  3. Apr 30, 2026 Presented to President.
  4. Apr 20, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Apr 20, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2977)
  6. Apr 20, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 98.
  7. Apr 20, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2976-2978)
  8. Apr 20, 2026 Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  9. Jul 3, 2025 Held at the desk.
  10. Jul 3, 2025 Received in the House.
  11. Jun 27, 2025 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  12. Jun 26, 2025 Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3570; text: CR S3570)

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