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H.R.2953 / 110th Congress

Rural Broadband Access Enhancement Act

Executive Comment Requested from USDA.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 10, 2007

Rural Broadband Access Enhancement Act - Amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to redefine "eligible rural community."

Permits a loan or loan guarantee applicant in an area where 40% of the residents are without broadband access to qualify with a 10% loan equity position.

Provides for: (1) paperwork reduction; and (2) program outreach to underserved areas.

Prohibits loan or loan guarantees for new broadband service in communities with three or more service providers.

Provides that for each fiscal year: (1) not more than 10% of program funds shall be available to providers with more than 10% of national subscriber lines; and (2) 40% of program funds shall be available to providers with between 2%-10% of national subscriber lines.

Revises the amortization period from the life of the asset to 35 years.

Requires an annual broadband program report to Congress.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Space, Zachary T. [D-OH-18] · D–OH

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Agriculture Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Executive Comment Requested from USDA.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  5. Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.2953 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

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