Rural
USDA Accepts Telehealth, Distance Learning Grant Applications
Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available.
Congress
House Passes Farm Bill
Rural broadband programs extended through 2031.
ReConnect
RUS Signals Launch of Next ReConnect Funding Round
Elmshaeuser says program remains central as federal broadband funding expands
ReConnect
ReConnect Funding Restored in FY2027 USDA Bill
House breaks with USDA request on rural broadband funding
ReConnect
USDA Requests $230 Million for Rural Broadband and Telehealth, a Decline Over Previous Budgets
The agriculture department proposed canceling $40 million in unused ReConnect funds in 2027 budget.
Commerce
NTIA Cracks Down on BEAD Proposals Built on ‘Hypothetical’ Funding
The agency will issue new guidance on how states should evaluate 'speculative' or uncommitted funding sources in BEAD.
Rural
Senate Clears Agriculture Bill With $109 Million for Rural Broadband
USDA's ReConnect would see about $50 million for 2026, more than the Senate had previously put forward.
Funding
Reintroduced Bill Would Update, Fund ReConnect Through 2030
The bill would provide $650 million annually, more than other lawmakers are currently considering.
Funding
Senate Approves FY2026 USDA Budget
Proposes $96 million for rural broadband grants and loans in FY26.
Fiber
Anchorage Update: Lessons from the Frontier State
Industry executives, tribal leaders and policymakers came together to connect more Alaskans.
Congress
Senate Panel Advances USDA Budget, Trims ReConnect in FY26
Senate appropriators cut $56 million from House’s proposed ReConnect budget.
House Appropriations
House Restores ReConnect Funding for FY26
House doubles funding for rural broadband program, despite Trump proposing cuts.
Funding
Trump Plan Wants to Cut USDA Broadband Funding
Other broadband resources are doing the job, White House said
ReConnect
Senate Confirms Brooke Rollins to Lead USDA
Was approved in a 72-28 vote Thursday; approach to rural broadband issues was not prominently discussed in hearings.
West Virginia
Capito Secures $18 Million Grant for Broadband In West Virginia
Rural broadband infrastructure projects to connect thousands.
ReConnect
ITIF Plan Would Drain Billions from USF to Fund New ACP
Group says the country needs to elevate affordability over availability
