House Stimulus Bill (American Reinvestment & Recovery Act of 2009)

The House Appropriations Committee has posted the proposed stimulus package.  Topline info is that it includes $6 billion for broadband:

• $2.8 billion goes to rural broadband development in the Rural Utilities Service (Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Rural Broadband Program). This is designed to support the installation of open-access broadband.
• $350 million to state broadband development under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
• $2.9 billion to wireless and broadband for unserved and underserved areas through wireless and broadband development grant programs

Section 3101 authorizes a national broadband map and section 3102 authorizes a broadband infrastructure grant program to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (see above).

This is being positioned as an investment strategy, not just a technology initiative. The committee's press summary notes that a dollar invested in broadband yields a $10 ROI.

Press summary (PDF)
Committee report (PDF, 76 pages)
Full text of the bill (PDF, 258 pages)