Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act

119 HR 8145 IH: Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act U.S. House of Representatives 2026-03-27 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. I 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8145 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 27, 2026 Mrs. McClain Delaney (for herself and Mr. Bresnahan ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To amend the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program to expand eligibility for financial assistance to include the construction and enhancement of facilities and technological systems aimed at delivering telemedicine services, strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, and supporting distance learning initiatives, including digital literacy, workforce development, and job training, in rural communities. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act . 2. Telemedicine, distance learning, and cybersecurity support services in rural areas (a) In general Section 2333 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 950aaa–2 ) is amended— (1) in the section heading, by striking Telemedicine and distance learning and inserting Telemedicine, distance learning, and cybersecurity support ; (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting , cybersecurity support, before and distance ; and (B) by inserting including digital literacy, workforce development, and job training before in rural ; (3) in subsection (c)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by inserting , cybersecurity support, before or distance ; and (II) by inserting , including digital literacy, workforce development, and job training before the semicolon; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking to provide telemedicine service or distance learning service and inserting services described in subparagraph (A) ; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking or distance learning and inserting , cybersecurity support, or distance learning, digital literacy, or workforce development and job training ; (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (12), by striking and at the end; (B) in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (14) the need for distance workforce development and job training, including a workforce that supports the building of broadband in rural areas. ; and (5) in subsection (f)— (A) in paragraph (2), by striking or distance learning and inserting distance learning, digital literacy, or cybersecurity ; (B) in paragraph (3)— (i) by inserting , cybersecurity support, after assistance ; and (ii) by striking or at the end; (C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting ; or ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (5) providing distance workforce development and job training, including a workforce that supports the building of broadband in rural areas. . (b) Effective date The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.