This bill expands an existing federal grant program that supports distance learning and telemedicine in rural communities by broadening what types of projects can receive funding. Currently, the program helps rural areas build telemedicine and distance learning capabilities, but this legislation adds three new areas: cybersecurity infrastructure for these systems, digital literacy training, and workforce development programs (particularly for jobs related to broadband construction). The bill modifies the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program under existing agriculture law to make rural communities eligible for financial assistance to construct facilities and upgrade technology systems that support these expanded services. The changes take effect six months after the bill becomes law, giving administrators time to update grant guidelines and prepare to accept applications for the newly eligible projects.
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