Rural
USDA Accepts Telehealth, Distance Learning Grant Applications
Approximately $27 million in federal grants were made available.
USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a cabinet agency, and includes several broadband-related funding programs.
Congress
House Passes Farm Bill
Rural broadband programs extended through 2031.
Congress
Internal Divisions Force House Republicans to Delay Farm Bill Vote
Meanwhile, House appropriators advance spending bill with $88 million for USDA broadband efforts.
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.
Michael O'Rielly
Calls Grow to Eliminate USDA Broadband Program, Watchdog Group Says
Citizens Against Government Waste targets Rural Utilities Service as duplicative.
April McClain-Delaney
New Bipartisan House Bills Take Aim at Strengthening Rural Broadband Access
The four introduced bills look to expand broadband access, modernize utilities, and improve USDA programs.
NTIA
O’Rielly Wants Lutnick to Help Kill USDA’s Broadband Programs
permitting
Bill Requiring Interior and USDA to Study Broadband Barriers Clears House Natural Resources
The bill aims to accelerate broadband deployment on federal lands.
Elissa Slotkin
Senate Bill Would Reauthorize USDA Middle-Mile Broadband Program
House companion bill introduced in August remains in committee
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.
Rural
USDA Nominee Glen Smith Vows Review of Rural Broadband Programs
During his nomination hearing, lawmakers pressed on coordinating USDA’s broadband programs and reviewing stalled energy projects.
FCC
Carr To Congress: FCC Improving Coordination Among Federal Broadband Programs
Chair responds to an April audit that flagged mapping weaknesses and data gaps.
AI
AI Infrastructure Boom Drives Need for Jump in U.S. Energy Production, Experts Say
AI's energy demands will require a 25% boost in U.S. electricity production over five years, experts warned.
Funding
Senate Approves FY2026 USDA Budget
Proposes $96 million for rural broadband grants and loans in FY26.
