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

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (R-IN-09) celebrated House passage of S. 98, the Rural Broadband Protection Act. Rep. Houchin sponsored the House companion bill, which passed the House unanimously in 2025, 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. 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.