House Passes Farm Bill
Rural broadband programs extended through 2031.
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026 – The House passed legislation Thursday extending until 2031 rural broadband programs overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The farm bill passed by a vote of 224-200 after stalling for a day due to disagreement within the Republican faction over certain pesticide and fuel provisions.
The bill sets funding authority and standards for USDA’s Rural Utilities Service programs, including up to $350 million per year through 2031 for the ReConnect program. The bill includes a provision that specifically forbids USDA from engaging in rate regulation of broadband service.
