H.R.3212 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2025; LAST ACRE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3212, the LAST ACRE Act of 2025, aims to improve broadband internet access on agricultural land by amending the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The bill establishes a "Last Acre Program" to provide grants and loans to broadband providers for deploying high-speed internet to unserved and underserved agricultural lands. It prioritizes projects in remote areas and those serving limited resource farmers and ranchers.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase broadband access for agricultural producers, enabling precision agriculture and improving farm operations. This could lead to increased efficiency, reduced waste, and improved environmental quality in agricultural practices. The bill also includes provisions for cybersecurity and data collection to monitor broadband adoption and usage.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced connectivity for farmers, enabling precision agriculture techniques.
- Increased efficiency and reduced waste in agricultural production.
- Prioritization of projects in remote areas and for limited resource farmers.
- Improved data collection on broadband usage in agriculture.
- Potential for economic growth in rural communities through improved internet access.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and implementing the program.
- Risk of funds being mismanaged or directed to areas that do not truly need them.
- Challenges in adjudicating competing bid applications and resolving disputes.
- Possible disadvantages to smaller providers who may lack the resources to compete with larger companies.
- Limited funding may not be sufficient to address all connectivity needs in rural areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting economic development and improving the lives of rural Americans through enhanced internet access. It also falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as it involves interstate communication and economic activity. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).