Senate Bill Would Reauthorize USDA Middle-Mile Broadband Program

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2026 – Bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate on Friday would reauthorize a U.S. Department of Agriculture broadband program aimed at expanding middle-mile infrastructure in rural and underserved communities. 

The Middle Mile for Rural America Act, introduced by Sens. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., would reauthorize the USDA’s middle-mile program for five years, from 2026 through 2031, allowing rural providers to connect more affordably to high-capacity internet backbones.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Reps. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, and Josh Riley, D-N.Y., where it was referred to the House Agriculture and Energy and Commerce committees and awaits further action.