Summary
The Broadband and Telecommunications RAIL Act would create a standardized process for broadband and telecommunications providers to install or modify equipment within railroad rights-of-way. If a provider seeks to place equipment without prior state or local authorization, they must submit an application to the railroad carrier, which would have 60 days to approve or deny it. The carrier could only deny the application for safety reasons or if the work would substantially interfere with railroad infrastructure. Approved work must generally begin within 30 days, and the provider would pay the railroad's actual costs.
The bill provides a faster pathway for providers who already have state or local authorization to use public rights-of-way that cross railroad corridors. These providers would only need to notify the railroad carrier and coordinate scheduling, with work beginning between 15 and 30 days after notification, and no fee required. If either party fails to comply with these requirements, the other could petition the Federal Communications Commission for relief. The FCC would be tasked with writing detailed regulations to implement the framework while protecting railroad safety and operations.
This bill has passed committee review and is eligible for a floor vote. If enacted, it could facilitate faster broadband expansion in areas along railroad corridors by streamlining the approval process, though it would also establish clear safety standards and cost-sharing arrangements between telecommunications companies and railroads.
AI-generated summary
Lifecycle of the Bill
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Nov 17, 2025
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 18, 2025
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Nov 18, 2025
HearingHouseMarkup
Nov 18, 2025 · 10:15
C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills
Summary
On November 18, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a markup session to consider a large slate of 28 bills focused on telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity. Key legislation under review included the Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act, the WIRELESS Leadership Act, and the TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act. These bills collectively aim to streamline the deployment of broadband on federal and coastal lands, standardize fees for infrastructure projects, and ensure the security and reliability of wireless networks during natural disasters. As a subcommittee markup, the session focused on the technical language of the bills and potential amendments rather than outside witness testimony. The primary objective of these legislative efforts is to reduce regulatory barriers that slow down the expansion of high-speed internet, particularly in rural or underserved areas, while also addressing transparency in cable services and the resilience of emergency communication systems. Discussions during the markup centered on balancing federal oversight with local authority and ensuring that new infrastructure investments are both secure and cost-effective. Members examined how these policies might impact competition in the telecommunications market and the speed at which new 5G and fiber technologies can be deployed across the country. Following this hearing, the subcommittee must vote on whether to report these bills to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce. A markup is a critical step in the legislative process, but it does not guarantee that any of the 28 bills will be scheduled for a vote on the House floor or eventually become law.
Video
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Dec 3, 2025
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
Dec 3, 2025
HearingHouseMarkup
Dec 3, 2025 · 15:00
Full Committee Markup
Summary
On December 3, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup to consider 15 pieces of legislation spanning broadband deployment, energy policy, and housing standards. The bills advanced included measures to streamline broadband permitting and deployment on federal lands, such as the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act and the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, which aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in communications infrastructure deployment. The committee also considered energy-related bills, including the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, as well as the Affordable HOMES Act, which would repeal Department of Energy authority over manufactured housing energy efficiency standards and restore that authority to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Chairman Brett Guthrie emphasized the committee's focus on cutting regulatory red tape and lowering costs for American families. He noted concerns about Department of Energy efficiency regulations issued under the previous administration, stating that while energy efficiency is important, regulations should not be drafted to meet arbitrary standards with diminishing returns. The committee also highlighted the importance of closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access to drive American wireless and AI leadership. The markup resulted in the advancement of multiple bills to the full House. For example, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act passed by a vote of 49-0, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act passed 50-0, and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act passed 25-21. The bills now move to the full House for further consideration, though passage in the full committee does not guarantee they will advance further in the legislative process.
Video
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Nov 17, 2025
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Nov 18, 2025
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Nov 18, 2025
HearingHouseMarkup
Nov 18, 2025 · 10:15
C&T Subcommittee Markup of 28 Bills
Summary
On November 18, 2025, the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a markup session to consider a large slate of 28 bills focused on telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity. Key legislation under review included the Wildfire Communications Resiliency Act, the WIRELESS Leadership Act, and the TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act. These bills collectively aim to streamline the deployment of broadband on federal and coastal lands, standardize fees for infrastructure projects, and ensure the security and reliability of wireless networks during natural disasters. As a subcommittee markup, the session focused on the technical language of the bills and potential amendments rather than outside witness testimony. The primary objective of these legislative efforts is to reduce regulatory barriers that slow down the expansion of high-speed internet, particularly in rural or underserved areas, while also addressing transparency in cable services and the resilience of emergency communication systems. Discussions during the markup centered on balancing federal oversight with local authority and ensuring that new infrastructure investments are both secure and cost-effective. Members examined how these policies might impact competition in the telecommunications market and the speed at which new 5G and fiber technologies can be deployed across the country. Following this hearing, the subcommittee must vote on whether to report these bills to the full Committee on Energy and Commerce. A markup is a critical step in the legislative process, but it does not guarantee that any of the 28 bills will be scheduled for a vote on the House floor or eventually become law.
Video
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Dec 3, 2025
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
Dec 3, 2025
HearingHouseMarkup
Dec 3, 2025 · 15:00
Full Committee Markup
Summary
On December 3, 2025, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a full committee markup to consider 15 pieces of legislation spanning broadband deployment, energy policy, and housing standards. The bills advanced included measures to streamline broadband permitting and deployment on federal lands, such as the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act and the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act, which aim to reduce bureaucratic delays in communications infrastructure deployment. The committee also considered energy-related bills, including the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, as well as the Affordable HOMES Act, which would repeal Department of Energy authority over manufactured housing energy efficiency standards and restore that authority to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Chairman Brett Guthrie emphasized the committee's focus on cutting regulatory red tape and lowering costs for American families. He noted concerns about Department of Energy efficiency regulations issued under the previous administration, stating that while energy efficiency is important, regulations should not be drafted to meet arbitrary standards with diminishing returns. The committee also highlighted the importance of closing the digital divide and expanding broadband access to drive American wireless and AI leadership. The markup resulted in the advancement of multiple bills to the full House. For example, the Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act passed by a vote of 49-0, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act passed 50-0, and the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act passed 25-21. The bills now move to the full House for further consideration, though passage in the full committee does not guarantee they will advance further in the legislative process.
Video
Congress
119th Congress
Introduced
Nov 17, 2025
