By Jacqui Fatka
Farm Progress
In discussions of a broader infrastructure package, how to address the needs of expanding rural broadband continues to take shape. In acknowledging the need for substantial funding in rural broadband, the importance of strengthening the broadband programs crafted in the 2018 Farm Bill and the critical role that USDA plays in delivering programs and services in rural communities, the House Agriculture Committees advanced the bipartisan Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374) out of the committee on July 13. The Senate also has a bipartisan bill - Assisting Broadband Connectivity Act - to address rural broadband needs