Funding
ReConnect Funding Restored in FY2027 USDA Bill
House breaks with USDA request on rural broadband funding
USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a cabinet agency, and includes several broadband-related funding programs.
distance learning
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
The former Republican FCC Commissioner sees USDA programs as wasteful and unnecessary
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.
Funding
Senate Bill Would Terminate USDA’s Community Connect Grant Program
The program supports broadband expansion in rural areas where service does not exist.
Fiber
Anchorage Update: Lessons from the Frontier State
Industry executives, tribal leaders and policymakers came together to connect more Alaskans.
Digital Inclusion
USDA Cuts Race and Gender Criteria From Rural Development Programs
Follows March rollback of equity scoring in broadband grants.
Congress
Senate Panel Advances USDA Budget, Trims ReConnect in FY26
Senate appropriators cut $56 million from House’s proposed ReConnect budget.
