A bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN) to bolster accountability in federal broadband programs is headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“Too many families in rural Indiana are still without reliable internet access, and that is why this continues to be one of my main legislative priorities in Congress,” Rep. Houchin said. “It is an issue that has real consequences for education, health care, and precision agriculture.”
The Rural Broadband Protection Act, S. 98, received approval from the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday. The U.S. Senate passed the bill in June 2025.
Rep. Houchin sponsored the companion bill, the same-named H.R. 2399, in the House in March 2025 with lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), while U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) sponsored S. 98 in January 2025 alongside original cosponsors U.S. Sens. John Curtis (R-UT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
“This legislation ensures that when Congress sends broadband dollars to states, those dollars actually reach rural areas through proven providers, safeguarding every dollar toward connecting Hoosier families and Americans nationwide,” added Rep. Houchin. “I’m proud to have authored and championed this bill in the House and am pleased it now heads to President Trump’s desk.”
Specifically, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a stronger vetting process for internet service providers seeking funding through the FCC’s high-cost Universal Service Fund programs.
Applicants must demonstrate their technical, financial, and operational capabilities, along with a sound business plan, before receiving federal support, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Houchin’s staff.
Additionally, the FCC also would review applicants based on experience and compliance history before awarding funding, helping prevent waste and ensuring underserved communities are connected by providers equipped to get the job done, the summary says.