House Passes Rural Broadband Protection Act to Vet Internet Providers Receiving Federal Funds
The Rural Broadband Protection Act passed the House in April 2025 and is now waiting for the Senate to take action. Nothing has happened with this bill since April 2025, which means it has been stalled for 14 months. It is unlikely to move forward because the Senate has not scheduled it for a vote.
The bill passed the House and has been placed on the Senate calendar. Rural broadband expansion is a popular issue with support from both parties.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Small internet service providers (ISPs) seeking federal funds to build rural broadband will face stricter application requirements, including proving they have the finances and technical ability to complete projects. This could weed out underprepared small companies, but it also raises the bar in ways that may make it harder for legitimate small providers to compete against larger corporations with more resources to prepare detailed applications.
“the applicant possesses the technical, financial, and operational capabilities, and has a reasonable business plan, to deploy the proposed network and deliver services”
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 61.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1662-1663)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1662-1663)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2399.
Senator Gary Peters helped lead the Rural Broadband Protection Act, which requires the FCC to certify that federal funding goes to providers with proven track records. The bill aims to prevent waste by vetting applicants' experience in delivering service to underserved communities.
The Senate Commerce Committee approved the Rural Broadband Protection Act (S. 98). The bill requires the FCC to ensure ISPs seeking subsidies meet performance criteria, including documentation of technical and financial capabilities and a viable business plan.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.