Middle Mile for Rural America Act
Summary
The "Middle Mile for Rural America Act" aims to reauthorize and expand middle mile infrastructure in rural areas by amending the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Specifically, it extends the program's authorization from "2018 through 2023" to "2026 through 2031". This bill was introduced in the Senate on January 14, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the continued availability of federal resources for expanding broadband infrastructure in rural areas. This would allow for ongoing projects and new initiatives to improve internet access. Ultimately, this aims to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban communities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved internet access for rural communities.
- Potential for economic growth in rural areas due to better connectivity.
- Enhanced access to education and healthcare services via telehealth and online learning.
- Support for local businesses through improved communication and e-commerce capabilities.
- Increased property values in rural areas.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if projects are not properly vetted.
- Risk of creating a dependence on government subsidies for rural broadband infrastructure.
- Possible displacement of local internet service providers if the government-funded infrastructure is unfairly competitive.
- The bill does not address affordability of internet access, only availability.
- The bill does not include specific provisions to ensure that the infrastructure is resilient to climate change or other disasters.
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the "general Welfare" clause of the Preamble. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare, which could be interpreted to include infrastructure development like broadband expansion. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).