On June 4, 1011, Representative Robert B. Aderholt introduced the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2015 (H.R.4800) that included funding for distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband.
H.R.4800 includes:
- Principal amount of broadband telecommunications loans would be $24,077,000,
- Grants for the telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas would be $20,000,000
- For the cost of broadband loans as authorized by the Rural Electrification Act, funding would be $4,500,000 to remain available until expended
- A grant program to finance broadband transmission in rural areas eligible for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program would be $10,372,000
However, on June 11, 2014, Representative Cory Gardner from Colorado offered amendment (H.AMDT.857) to increase funding by $3.4 million for telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas. The House of Representatives unanimously passed the amendment to provide the additional funding for Telemedicine and Distance Learning Services in rural areas.
Representative Gardner feels that his amendment would give physicians in rural areas the tools that they need to provide patients access to the best possible healthcare.