Bill

HR 1838

Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act

119th Congress Introduced by Barry Moore and 1 co-sponsor

Expands funded broadband access at small ports to boost operations, safety, and cargo tracking, strengthening maritime resilience and rural coastal economies.

Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HR 1838

Summary of HR 1838 — Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act

Overview

HR 1838, titled the Broadband Internet for Small Ports Act, appears to aim at expanding and improving broadband internet access at small port facilities to support port operations, rural development, and related maritime activities. The bill was introduced on March 4, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of the House process.

Status and Legislative Path

Introduced: March 4, 2025
Initial referrals: to the Committee on Agriculture and, in addition, to the Committee on Energy and Commerce (for provisions within their jurisdictions)
Referred to a subcommittee: March 28, 2025 — Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development
Key point: The multiple referrals suggest the bill may touch on agriculture, commerce, energy, and digital assets-related issues, with the subcommittee focus potentially signaling specific consideration of rural development and digital infrastructure aspects.

What the bill would do (based on title and available information)

The specific text of HR 1838 is not provided in the materials you shared. Therefore, the exact provisions and mechanisms are not listed here.
Based on the title, the bill would most likely seek to:
- Authorize or fund programs to expand broadband internet access at small port facilities.
- Improve digital connectivity for port operations, maritime logistics, and nearby rural communities.
- Support resilience and efficiency of port-related supply chains through enhanced communications infrastructure.
- Establish oversight, reporting, or coordination mechanisms with relevant federal agencies to implement broadband improvements at small ports.

Note: Without the bill text, we cannot enumerate precise provisions, funding levels, eligible entities, match requirements, or timelines.

Potential Impacts and Beneficiaries

Affected entities:
- Small port authorities and port facilities seeking broadband upgrades.
- Local governments and rural communities surrounding small ports.
- Maritime operators, shippers, fishing fleets, and related supply chain stakeholders who rely on reliable connectivity.
Potential benefits:
- Improved port operations, safety communications, and cargo tracking through better broadband.
- Enhanced economic development opportunities for rural and coastal communities.
- Greater resilience of maritime infrastructure to disruptions through improved digital infrastructure.
Potential costs and considerations:
- Federal funding or authorization requirements (exact amounts would be in the text).
- Administrative oversight and reporting obligations.
- Interplay with existing federal broadband or maritime programs.

Timelines and Next Steps

As of now, the bill is in early-stage committee consideration.
If the bill advances:
- It would likely be scheduled for hearings and a subcommittee markup.
- May move to full committee consideration and potential floor action.
- If passed by the House, would proceed to the Senate for its own consideration.

Where to Read the Full Text

For a precise understanding of the bill’s provisions, definitions, funding, eligibility, and timelines, please consult:
- Congress.gov (HR 1838 text and amendments)
- The official bill sponsor pages
- Committee records from the House Committee on Agriculture and the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development

This summary reflects the information provided and notes where the bill text is not included.

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