Middle Mile for Rural America Act
Summary
The "Middle Mile for Rural America Act" (H.R. 5037) aims to expand middle mile infrastructure into rural areas by amending Section 602(g) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The bill extends the availability of funding for middle mile projects from "2018 through 2023" to "2026 through 2031". This extension seeks to improve internet access in underserved rural communities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to continue federal support for the development of middle mile infrastructure in rural areas. By extending the funding availability, the bill aims to facilitate the deployment of broadband networks. This would enable last-mile providers to connect homes and businesses in rural communities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved internet access for rural communities, bridging the digital divide.
- Potential for economic growth in rural areas due to enhanced connectivity.
- Support for telemedicine and remote education opportunities.
- Increased property values in rural areas with better internet infrastructure.
- Enhanced public safety through improved communication networks.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if projects are not properly vetted.
- Risk of creating dependence on government subsidies for infrastructure development.
- Possible delays in project implementation due to bureaucratic processes.
- The bill does not address affordability of internet access for low-income households.
- Potential for unintended environmental impacts from infrastructure construction.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. Expanding internet infrastructure can be argued to facilitate interstate commerce. Additionally, the bill could be viewed as promoting the general welfare, as mentioned in the Preamble.
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).