Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 7:58 PM
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Bill 117 HR 1700, also known as the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021, aims to improve access to high-speed internet in underserved and rural areas across the United States. The bill proposes the establishment of a new program within the Department of Transportation that would provide loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure.

The goal of the bill is to incentivize private sector investment in broadband projects by providing financial assistance and reducing the risks associated with such investments. By leveraging public and private funds, the bill seeks to accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas where it is currently lacking.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that projects funded under the program adhere to certain standards, such as providing affordable and reliable broadband service to consumers. It also requires the Department of Transportation to report to Congress on the progress and impact of the program. Overall, the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021 aims to address the digital divide in the United States by expanding access to high-speed internet in underserved communities and promoting economic development through improved connectivity.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 1700

Introduced on
2021-03-09

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Bill 117 HR 1700, also known as the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021, aims to improve access to high-speed internet in underserved and rural areas across the United States. The bill proposes the establishment of a new program within the Department of Transportation that would provide loans, loan guarantees, and lines of credit to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure.

The goal of the bill is to incentivize private sector investment in broadband projects by providing financial assistance and reducing the risks associated with such investments. By leveraging public and private funds, the bill seeks to accelerate the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas where it is currently lacking.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that projects funded under the program adhere to certain standards, such as providing affordable and reliable broadband service to consumers. It also requires the Department of Transportation to report to Congress on the progress and impact of the program. Overall, the Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2021 aims to address the digital divide in the United States by expanding access to high-speed internet in underserved communities and promoting economic development through improved connectivity.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact
Aging
Appropriations
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Economic development
Educational facilities and institutions
Executive agency funding and structure
Government lending and loan guarantees
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Higher education
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Labor standards
Labor-management relations
Law enforcement administration and funding
Libraries and archives
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Performance measurement
Public contracts and procurement
Public-private cooperation
Unemployment
Wages and earnings

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action3/10/2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.