Bill Summary & Status for the 107th Congress

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H.R.2401
Title: To bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
Sponsor: Rep McHugh, John M. [NY-24] (introduced 6/28/2001)      Cosponsors: 1
Latest Major Action: 7/16/2001 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
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TITLE(S):  (italics indicate a title for a portion of a bill)
STATUS: (color indicates Senate actions)
6/28/2001:
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Science, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
6/28/2001:
Referred to House Energy and Commerce
7/16/2001:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
6/28/2001:
Referred to House Ways and Means
6/28/2001:
Referred to House Science
7/9/2001:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards.
7/9/2001:
Referred to the Subcommittee on Research.
COMMITTEE(S):
RELATED BILL DETAILS:

***NONE***

AMENDMENT(S):

***NONE***

COSPONSORS(1), ALPHABETICAL [followed by Cosponsors withdrawn]:     (Sort: by date)

Rep Towns, Edolphus - 7/31/2001 [NY-10]

SUMMARY AS OF:
6/28/2001--Introduced.

Rural America Digital Accessibility Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to make grants or guarantee loans in order to facilitate the deployment by the private sector of broadband telecommunications networks and capabilities (including wireless and satellite services) to underserved rural areas. Limits to $100 million the total amount of such grants and loan guarantees.

Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to research the enhancement or facilitation of broadband telecommunications services in rural and other remote areas, as well as Internet access through such services.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit to holders of qualified technology bonds (bonds representing an investment in projects to expand such telecommunications services). Sets a national technology bond limitation of $100 million for each of FY 2002 through 2006, and zero thereafter (with an exception) to be allocated by the Secretary among the qualified projects designated each year.

Directs the Secretary to provide financial assistance for the establishment and support of regional centers for the commercial use of advanced technologies by small and medium-sized businesses.