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HR 6046

Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act

119th Congress Introduced by John Joyce and 2 co-sponsors

HR 6046 - Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act OverviewBill Number: HR 6046 Title: Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act Status: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up S

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 6046

HR 6046 - Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act

Overview

Bill Number: HR 6046
Title: Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act
Status: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Introduced: November 17, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act aims to accelerate the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure across the United States, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The bill seeks to address the persistent digital divide by leveraging federal funding and regulatory reforms to incentivize private investment and streamline the broadband deployment process.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes a new $80 billion "Broadband RAIL" grant program to provide funding for broadband infrastructure projects, with a focus on unserved and underserved communities.
  • Streamlines the federal permitting and approval process for broadband deployment on federal lands and rights-of-way, setting strict timelines and limiting the ability of agencies to deny permits without justification.
  • Reforms the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Universal Service Fund to increase funding for rural broadband deployment and modernize the program's eligibility criteria and distribution mechanisms.
  • Directs the FCC to develop a comprehensive national broadband map to better identify unserved and underserved areas and guide future infrastructure investments.
  • Provides tax credits and other financial incentives to encourage private sector investment in broadband networks, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
  • Establishes workforce development programs to train and certify broadband technicians and engineers to support the increased deployment activities.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Residents of rural, tribal, and other underserved communities will benefit from improved access to high-speed broadband services, enabling greater economic opportunities, access to education and healthcare, and participation in the digital economy.
  • Broadband providers, including large telecommunications companies and smaller internet service providers, will have access to new funding sources and regulatory streamlining to accelerate their network expansion efforts.
  • Federal agencies, such as the FCC and the Department of Agriculture, will play a key role in implementing the bill's provisions and overseeing the distribution of grant funding and other incentives.
  • State and local governments will be expected to collaborate with the federal government and private sector to identify priority areas for broadband investment and facilitate the deployment process.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act has completed a subcommittee consideration and mark-up session, indicating that it has progressed through the initial stages of the legislative process. The bill will now move to the full committee for further consideration and potential amendments before being scheduled for a floor

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

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