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Connect America Act of 2021

3/8/2023, 7:58 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1672

Bill 117 HR 1672, also known as the Connect America Act of 2021, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the goal of expanding access to broadband internet in rural and underserved areas across the country. The bill aims to bridge the digital divide by providing funding for broadband infrastructure projects and promoting competition among internet service providers.

One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a grant program to support the deployment of broadband infrastructure in areas where internet access is limited or nonexistent. These grants would be awarded to eligible entities, such as state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and tribal entities, to help cover the costs of building out broadband networks.

Additionally, the Connect America Act of 2021 includes measures to promote transparency and accountability in the use of federal funds for broadband projects. The bill requires recipients of grant funding to report on the progress of their projects and demonstrate how they are meeting the goals of the legislation. Overall, the Connect America Act of 2021 seeks to address the disparities in internet access that exist in rural and underserved communities by investing in broadband infrastructure and promoting competition among service providers. By expanding access to high-speed internet, the bill aims to improve educational opportunities, economic development, and quality of life for residents in these areas.

Congressional Summary of HR 1672

Connect America Act of 2021

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a funding program to expand broadband access for unserved areas, areas with low-tier or mid-tier service, and unserved anchor institutions (e.g., schools or libraries). The program shall consist of both national systems of competitive bidding and grants of specified amounts to states.

An area with low-tier service is an area where at least 90% of the population has access to broadband service with speeds between 25-100 megabits per second (mbps). An area with mid-tier service is an area where at least 90% of the population has access to broadband service with speeds between 100 mbps and 1 gigabit per second.

Priority must be given to projects that would expand access to broadband service in areas where at least 90% of the population has no access to broadband service or to service with speeds of at least 25 mbps.

Current Status of Bill HR 1672

Bill HR 1672 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 9, 2021. Bill HR 1672 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on March 9, 2021.  Bill HR 1672's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. as of March 10, 2021

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1672

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
14
Democrat Cosponsors
14
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1672

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Community life and organization
- Computer security and identity theft
- Educational facilities and institutions
- Emergency planning and evacuation
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations
- Government trust funds
- Health facilities and institutions
- Higher education
- Indian social and development programs
- Infrastructure development
- Internet and video services
- Internet, web applications, social media
- Labor standards
- Labor-management relations
- Libraries and archives
- Performance measurement
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- Public contracts and procurement
- Public housing
- Roads and highways
- State and local government operations
- Telecommunication rates and fees
- Telephone and wireless communication
- Vocational and technical education

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1672

Connect America Act of 2021
To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide for the establishment of a program to expand access to broadband service, and for other purposes.
Connect America Act of 2021

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