Bill Summary
The "Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act" aims to enhance the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program by broadening the scope of financial assistance available for the construction and improvement of facilities and technological systems that deliver telemedicine services, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and support distance learning initiatives. This includes initiatives focused on digital literacy, workforce development, and job training specifically tailored for rural communities.
Key provisions of the legislation include:
1. Expanding eligibility to include cybersecurity support alongside telemedicine and distance learning.
2. Recognizing the importance of digital literacy and job training in rural areas to address workforce needs.
3. Allowing funding to support the development of broadband infrastructure in these communities.
The amendments will take effect six months after the Act is enacted, facilitating improved access to essential services in underserved regions.
Possible Impacts
The "Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act" could affect people in several ways, particularly in rural communities. Here are three examples:
1. **Improved Access to Healthcare**: By expanding eligibility for financial assistance for telemedicine services, the legislation could lead to increased access to healthcare for individuals in rural areas. This means that residents who may have previously struggled to visit healthcare providers due to distance or transportation issues can now receive medical consultations and services remotely, improving their overall health outcomes.
2. **Enhanced Educational Opportunities**: The inclusion of distance learning initiatives provides rural communities with better access to educational resources and training programs. This could lead to increased opportunities for students and adults to pursue higher education, vocational training, or skill development, thereby enhancing their employability and contributing to local economic growth.
3. **Strengthened Cybersecurity and Digital Literacy**: The focus on cybersecurity support and digital literacy training means that individuals in rural areas will be better equipped to navigate online environments safely. This is particularly important as more services move online, ensuring that community members can protect their personal information and make effective use of digital resources, thus fostering a more secure and informed population.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8145 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8145
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 27, 2026
Mrs. McClain Delaney (for herself and Mr. Bresnahan) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
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 ``Expanding Access to Distance
Learning and Telemedicine Act''.
SEC. 2. TELEMEDICINE, DISTANCE LEARNING, AND CYBERSECURITY SUPPORT
SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS.
(a) In General.--Section 2333 of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-2) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``telemedicine and
distance learning'' and inserting ``telemedicine, distance
learning, and cybersecurity support'';
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``, cybersecurity support,''
before ``and distance''; and
(B) by inserting ``including digital literacy,
workforce development, and job training'' before ``in
rural'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A)--
(I) by inserting ``, cybersecurity
support,'' before ``or distance''; and
(II) by inserting ``, including
digital literacy, workforce
development, and job training'' before
the semicolon; and
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``to
provide telemedicine service or distance
learning service'' and inserting ``services
described in subparagraph (A)''; and
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or distance
learning'' and inserting ``, cybersecurity support, or
distance learning, digital literacy, or workforce
development and job training'';
(4) in subsection (d)--
(A) in paragraph (12), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (13), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) the need for distance workforce development and job
training, including a workforce that supports the building of
broadband in rural areas.''; and
(5) in subsection (f)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or distance
learning'' and inserting ``distance learning, digital
literacy, or cybersecurity'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by inserting ``, cybersecurity
support,'' after ``assistance''; and
(ii) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and
inserting ``; or''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) providing distance workforce development and job
training, including a workforce that supports the building of
broadband in rural areas.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
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