Coalition Letter in Support of ReConnecting Rural America Act

On July 17, 2023, the Fiber Broadband Association and a coalition of 24 other supportive organizations wrote to Chairwoman Stabenow, Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Boozman, and Ranking Member Scott in support of the “ReConnecting Rural America Act,” which was introduced by Senators Welch and Marshall in the Senate and Representatives Nunn, Craig, LaHood, and Sorensen and others in the House. This legislation would make USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program permanent, ensure networks built leveraging program funds deliver at least 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds and prioritize awards to areas in which at least 90 percent of households lack 100/20 Mbps. This is a time when public policy plays an important role in helping to build and sustain broadband in rural markets that would not otherwise justify such investments and ongoing operations.