H.R. 8145

119 HR 8145 IH: Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-03-27
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 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.