Houchin Celebrates House Passage of Rural Broadband Protection Act, Bill Headed to President's Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Erin Houchin (IN-09) today celebrated House passage of S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act. Rep. Houchin sponsored the House companion bill, which passed the House unanimously last year, and the Senate version was led by Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). The bipartisan legislation strengthens accountability in federal broadband programs and helps ensure taxpayer dollars reach rural communities that need internet access.

"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," said Rep. Houchin. "It is an issue that has real consequences for education, health care, and precision agriculture. 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. I'm proud to have authored and championed this bill in the House and am pleased it now heads to President Trump's desk."

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. The FCC will also 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 legislation now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law.

Watch Rep. Houchin deliver remarks on the House floor here.