Sponsors (4)
The bill broadens eligible activities to expand rural broadband-related services—improving telehealth, education, workforce training, and digital safety—but does so at increased cost, with a risk of diluting grant focus and a six-month delay before benefits begin.
Rural patients and people with chronic conditions gain better access to telemedicine as expanded eligible services and digital-support programs improve connectivity and the digital skills needed for remote care.
Students and educators in rural areas gain expanded distance learning resources, improving educational access, continuity, and opportunities for remote instruction.
Rural workers and local tech workers gain more distance workforce development and job training (including training to build rural broadband), supporting job skills and local employment opportunities.
Taxpayers and local governments may face higher program costs because adding new eligible program areas will likely increase overall program spending.
Rural communities and small project applicants could face stronger competition or reduced chances of funding because broader eligible activities may dilute grant focus.
Communities with urgent cybersecurity, digital-skills, or training needs will wait longer for help because the bill's changes take effect after a six-month delay.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Expands the USDA rural distance learning and telemedicine program to allow spending on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and workforce development including broadband job training.
Amends the USDA rural distance learning and telemedicine program to broaden what grant funds can be used for. The bill adds cybersecurity support, digital literacy, workforce development and job training (including training to build rural broadband) to the list of eligible services and needs, updates related definitions and cross-references, and makes the changes effective six months after enactment.
Official title: To amend the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program to expand eligibility for financial assistance to include the construction and enhancement of facilities and technological systems aimed at delivering telemedicine services, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and supporting distance learning initiatives, including digital literacy, workforce development, and job training, in rural communities.
Introduced March 27, 2026 by April McClain Delaney · Last progress March 27, 2026