Bills · HR 8145
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 8145Science, Technology, Communications
Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act
This bill updates rural grant programs to help communities build secure medical facilities, protect against hackers, and train local workers for high-tech jobs like internet infrastructure construction.AI-written
INTRO MAR 27· LAST ACTION MAR 27
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
tl;dr
AI-writtenExpands federal grants for rural areas to cover building upgrades, cybersecurity protections, and job training for workers to build their own local broadband networks.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenRural areas often struggle with slower internet, fewer doctors, and less job training than big cities. Current laws help them get equipment for online services, but often ignore the fact that these systems need to be protected from cyberattacks and require a skilled local workforce to keep them running. This bill recognizes that 'access' to the internet isn't enough; communities also need the security to keep patient data safe and the skills to build their own infrastructure.
If this becomes law, it could help close the 'digital divide' by creating a cycle where rural residents are trained to build the very broadband networks they use for healthcare and education. Without it, rural towns may continue to receive equipment they can't afford to protect or staff locally.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Includes cybersecurity as an eligible expense for rural grants.
It allows rural hospitals and schools to use federal funds to defend against digital threats and data breaches.
PROVISION 02
Expands grants to cover the construction and enhancement of facilities.
Organizations can now use the money for physical upgrades to buildings, not just for buying computers or software.
PROVISION 03
Adds workforce development and job training to distance learning programs.
It shifts the focus from just K-12 education to helping adults gain skills for new careers in their own towns.
PROVISION 04
Prioritizes training workers to build broadband in rural areas.
This helps rural communities become self-sufficient by training locals to install and maintain their own internet infrastructure.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
D· Maryland
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
29
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 1 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 27
Introduced in House
MAR 27
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 8145
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 27, 2026
Last actionMar 27, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2026
House BillHR 8145Science, Technology, Communications
Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act
This bill updates rural grant programs to help communities build secure medical facilities, protect against hackers, and train local workers for high-tech jobs like internet infrastructure construction.AI-written
INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 27, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
