Thirty-seven of these projects are in rural areas, and they are expected not only to create some 5,000 jobs up front, but also help spur economic development in some of the nation’s hardest-hit communities, creating jobs for years to come, said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“The broadband projects announced today will give rural communities access to the tools they need to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and build a foundation for future prosperity,” Vilsack said.

The measure still needs Senate approval, but that looks unlikely in its present form. Senate Republicans are promising a filibuster of the bill because of its non-war additions.