HR 5037119th CongressIn Committee

Middle Mile for Rural America Act

Introduced: Aug 26, 2025

InfrastructureTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 5037, the Middle Mile for Rural America Act, was introduced in the House on August 26, 2025. Its central, stated purpose is to expand middle mile infrastructure—the backbone fiber networks that connect regional networks to local last-mile networks in rural areas. The bill does so by amending the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 950bb-1(g)) to change the time window referenced for a particular middle-mile provision. Specifically, it shifts the period from 2018–2023 to 2026–2031. The text provided does not include funding levels, program details, or specific implementation steps beyond this date change. The bill would be considered by the Agriculture Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Key Points

1The main action is a narrow amendment to the Rural Electrification Act: strike the years 2018 through 2023 and insert 2026 through 2031, thereby changing the timeframe applicable to a middle-mile provision.
2The bill aims to expand middle-mile infrastructure into rural areas, addressing gaps between major backbone networks and local networks that serve rural communities.
3No specific funding amounts, grant programs, or project criteria are included in the text provided.
4The bill is introduced by Rep. Feenstra, with cosponsors Rep. Riley (NY) and Rep. Moore (AL); referred to the Agriculture and to the Energy and Commerce committees.
5The bill does not create new agencies or programs in itself; it alters the applicable timeframe within an existing Rural Electrification Act provision.

Impact Areas

Primary groups/areas affected: Rural communities and rural broadband/telecommunications providers seeking backbone (middle-mile) connectivity to improve access to high-speed internet.Secondary groups/areas affected: Local governments, state/regional planning bodies, and utility cooperatives involved in rural broadband deployment; providers that build or operate middle-mile networks.Additional impacts: The change could influence planning and implementation timelines for middle-mile projects, potentially affecting coordination with USDA Rural Utilities Service programs and other rural broadband initiatives. without added funding or program detail, actual on-the-ground impact will depend on how the amended provision is administered in conjunction with existing programs.

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