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Bill

S 3259

RECAPTURE Act

119th Congress Introduced by Ted Cruz and 4 co-sponsors

Bill redirects unspent broadband infrastructure funds to deficit reduction instead of expanding rural and underserved community internet access.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3259

Legislative bill overview

S 3259 would redirect unspent funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program—created under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—toward reducing the federal deficit rather than expanding broadband infrastructure. The bill would require any remaining BEAD Program appropriations to be returned to the Treasury for deficit reduction purposes.

Why is this important

The BEAD Program represents a $42.5 billion federal investment designed to bring high-speed internet to underserved rural and urban areas. How remaining funds are allocated will significantly affect broadband deployment timelines, the number of communities that receive infrastructure improvements, and the program's ability to achieve its stated equity goals. This decision also reflects broader fiscal priorities regarding deficit spending versus infrastructure investment.

Potential points of contention

  • Rural broadband access: Proponents of broadband expansion argue that redirecting funds undermines the infrastructure bill's core mission and leaves millions without adequate internet access, affecting education, healthcare, and economic opportunity
  • Fiscal priorities: Supporters contend that deficit reduction should take precedence and that the program may not efficiently deploy all allocated funds before deadlines
  • Opportunity cost: Questions about whether broadband infrastructure represents better long-term economic value than deficit reduction versus potential inefficiency in the current program's rollout

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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