Congressional Bills S. 98 and S. 1020 Signed into Law

5/11/2026

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Date of Action: May 11, 2026.
Legislation Signed: Two congressional bills, S. 98 and S. 1020, were signed into law.
Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 (S. 98): Requires the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a vetting process for applicants seeking high-cost universal service program funding for the deployment of broadband-capable networks.
Hydropower Project Construction Extension (S. 1020): Authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the deadline for beginning construction on covered hydropower projects by an additional 6 years.

The signing of the “Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025” introduces a new vetting process for applicants seeking funding for broadband deployment. This could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory compliance requirements for entities involved in broadband initiatives, potentially impacting partnerships and funding opportunities for the university.
The focus on expanding broadband access may divert resources from other educational initiatives, especially if funding is channeled primarily towards rural broadband projects. This could limit Vanderbilt’s ability to pursue diverse educational technology advancements.
Changes in federal funding structures and priorities could affect Vanderbilt’s ability to secure grants or partnerships in technology and education sectors, particularly if they do not align with the new regulations set out by the FCC.
The extension of construction deadlines for hydropower projects may impact energy policy discussions and sustainability initiatives at Vanderbilt, especially if the university is engaged in energy research or partnerships.

School of Engineering: There may be increased demand for research and development in broadband technology and infrastructure, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and rural communities.
Peabody College of Education and Human Development: Programs focusing on digital literacy and access to technology may need to adapt to the changing landscape of broadband accessibility, particularly in rural areas.
Vanderbilt’s Office of Government Relations: This office may need to engage more actively in monitoring and influencing policy related to broadband and energy, ensuring that Vanderbilt’s interests are represented in future legislation.

The new vetting process for broadband funding could lead to increased competition for federal resources, potentially making it harder for Vanderbilt to secure funding for its technological initiatives.
Changes in energy policy from the extension of hydropower project deadlines could affect the financial landscape for energy research funding, which may require Vanderbilt to reassess its funding strategies.
Failure to adapt to the new broadband regulations could impact Vanderbilt’s ability to attract students interested in technology and engineering, potentially affecting enrollment and tuition revenue.

Relevance Score: 3 (The laws present moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in funding priorities.)

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should actively participate in the implementation of the Rural Broadband Protection Act by collaborating with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that rural areas receive adequate broadband infrastructure. This includes engaging in research projects aimed at improving broadband access and quality, which will enhance both educational and community resources.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the developments surrounding the extension of deadlines for hydropower projects authorized by S. 1020. Engaging with energy policy stakeholders can provide opportunities for research partnerships in sustainable energy initiatives, potentially aligning with Vanderbilt’s focus on environmental responsibility and innovation.
Vanderbilt’s Department of Nursing should leverage the funding opportunities from the Rural Nursing Workforce Expansion initiative to enhance training programs for nurse practitioners, particularly in rural Tennessee. This aligns with federal healthcare priorities and will contribute to addressing workforce shortages in underserved areas.
The Research Administration should explore new federal grant opportunities arising from both legislative acts. Proactively seeking funding for broadband and energy-related research can strengthen Vanderbilt’s position as a leader in these critical areas.

The Rural Broadband Protection Act represents an opportunity for Vanderbilt to enhance its research capabilities in technology and infrastructure development, particularly in rural education and community services.
S. 1020 creates potential for Vanderbilt to engage in innovative energy research, possibly leading to collaborations with federal agencies and private sector partners focused on sustainable energy solutions.
Both legislative actions could position Vanderbilt to advocate for policy changes that align with the University’s strategic goals of expanding access to education and healthcare in rural communities.

Relevance Score: 4 (Major process changes are required to align with new federal initiatives and secure funding opportunities.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

S. 98 – Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025: The directive requires the FCC to initiate a rulemaking proceeding, but no specific timeline or deadline is provided (N/A: Determined because the text does not specify a concrete deadline).
S. 1020: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is authorized to extend the deadline for beginning construction on covered hydropower projects by an additional 6 years.

Relevance Score: 1

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC is mandated to initiate rulemaking for establishing a vetting process for applicants for high-cost universal service program funding under the “Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025.”
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): FERC is authorized to extend the construction deadline for covered hydropower projects by an additional 6 years as per S. 1020.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are affected by the signed legislation.)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) – Tasked with initiating a rulemaking proceeding to establish a vetting process for the high-cost universal service program funding applicants.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – Authorized to extend the deadline for beginning construction on covered hydropower projects by 6 years.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect agency heads, which are key decision makers with significant regulatory responsibilities.)