Bill Summary
The "Data Broadband Reporting and Integration for Deployment in Geographically Essential Areas Act," or "Data BRIDGE Act," is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the National Broadband Map maintained by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Act mandates that within 180 days of its enactment, the FCC must update the map to include a new layer that displays data on the locations of agricultural areas across the United States. This update is intended to improve broadband access planning, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.
To ensure the effective integration of this data, the FCC is required to consult with various stakeholders, including the Secretary of Agriculture, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, state representatives, and other relevant parties. The goal of the Data BRIDGE Act is to facilitate better broadband deployment strategies in regions critical for agriculture, ultimately supporting connectivity in these essential areas.
Possible Impacts
The "Data BRIDGE Act" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Improved Internet Access for Farmers**: By incorporating agricultural area data into the National Broadband Map, the legislation would help identify regions where internet access is limited. This can lead to targeted efforts to expand broadband infrastructure in rural agricultural areas, enabling farmers to utilize modern technologies for precision farming, access online markets, and improve overall productivity.
2. **Enhanced Resource Allocation for Agricultural Support**: With better mapping of agricultural areas, federal and state agencies can more effectively allocate resources and support programs aimed at farmers. This could lead to improved access to information on agricultural grants, subsidies, and technical assistance, ultimately benefiting local economies and food production.
3. **Informed Policy Making**: The integration of agricultural data into broadband mapping can provide policymakers with valuable insights into the connectivity needs of rural communities. This can lead to more informed decisions regarding funding and initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide, ensuring that both farmers and rural residents have equitable access to essential online services.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4950 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4950
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to incorporate into the
National Broadband Map of the Commission a layer that presents data on
the location of agricultural areas, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 12, 2025
Mrs. Houchin (for herself, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Thompson of
Pennsylvania, Mr. Sorensen, Mr. Nunn of Iowa, Mr. Costa, Mr. Smith of
Nebraska, and Mr. Soto) introduced the following bill; which was
referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to incorporate into the
National Broadband Map of the Commission a layer that presents data on
the location of agricultural areas, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Data Broadband Reporting and
Integration for Deployment in Geographically Essential Areas Act'' or
the ``Data BRIDGE Act''.
SEC. 2. FCC NATIONAL BROADBAND MAP.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall update (and thereafter
maintain) the map described in section 802(c)(1)(A) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 642(c)(1)(A)) in a manner that
incorporates, as a layer of such map, data on the location of
agricultural areas.
(b) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Commission
shall consult with--
(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, including with respect to
existing data of the Department of Agriculture related to the
location of agricultural areas;
(2) the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications
and Information;
(3) representatives of States; and
(4) representatives of other relevant stakeholders (as
determined appropriate by the Commission).
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Communications Commission.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States and the District of Columbia.
<all>