{"id":35815,"date":"2022-12-08T23:05:46","date_gmt":"2022-12-09T04:05:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/bipartisan-effort-to-improve-rural-internet-access\/"},"modified":"2022-12-08T23:05:49","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T04:05:49","slug":"bipartisan-effort-to-improve-rural-internet-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/bipartisan-effort-to-improve-rural-internet-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Bipartisan effort to improve rural internet access"},"content":{"rendered":"
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President Biden at Tribal Nations Summit. (Courtesy Photo)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), ranking member and chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today introduced the Rural Internet Improvement Act. This bipartisan legislation<\/a> would streamline and bolster U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development broadband programs and ensure that their funding is being targeted to rural areas that need it the most.<\/p>\n

\u201cExpanding access to broadband services and connectivity in rural areas across South Dakota has long been a priority for me,\u201d said Thune. \u201cAccess to these broadband services is typically determined by where you live, which often leaves rural communities in the dust. Our bipartisan legislation would help bridge the digital divide by improving USDA\u2019s ReConnect Program to ensure its funding goes to truly unserved areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHigh-speed, reliable broadband is critical for New Mexico families and businesses, but the digital divide leaves far too many rural and Tribal communities behind. I\u2019m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to make USDA programs more efficient and ensure that unserved communities receive the investments they need,\u201d\u00a0said Luj\u00e1n.\u00a0\u201cI will continue working to improve broadband access for all New Mexicans \u2013 especially in rural and Tribal communities.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ReConnect program is critical for rural communities across the country, helping families connect to critical opportunities online while enabling farms and businesses to access new technologies,\u201d said Klobuchar. \u201cThis bipartisan legislation will make key improvements to this popular program, allowing for a more convenient application process and more efficient deployment. As co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, I\u2019ll keep fighting to ensure all Americans can access the high-speed internet they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve long supported efforts to expand broadband access to unserved communities,\u201d said Fischer. \u201cI\u2019m proud to join my colleagues on this bill to help USDA\u2019s ReConnect program properly prioritize the connectivity needs of rural America.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe applaud the work of Senators John Thune, Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n, Amy Klobuchar, and Deb Fischer to introduce legislation focused on helping broadband reach more Americans,\u201d said NCTA \u2013 The Internet and Television Association. \u201cThe Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2022 would replace existing programs with a revised ReConnect program that would enhance participation and results so more communities can be connected to broadband even faster. Most significantly, this bill would direct funding for network expansion to areas where at least 90 percent of households lack access to broadband, and it would encourage reliance on applicants with demonstrated experience constructing and operating broadband networks in order to promote network construction that is on budget and on time. These are solid improvements to the current program that should be adopted as part of next year\u2019s farm bill. Deploying robust, affordable high-speed broadband to all Americans is a key priority for cable providers, so we look forward to working with members on passage of this legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSenator Thune has long been a leader in promoting and sustaining better access to broadband in rural areas, and NTCA appreciates his continued interest and leadership in examining ways to improve the workings of USDA\u2019s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program,\u201d said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of NTCA \u2013 the Rural Broadband Association. \u201cWe look forward to conversations with Senator Thune and his colleagues in Congress about how best to build upon the early successes of this program and how best to coordinate this program with other essential broadband-related initiatives and private sector efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBroadband is no longer a luxury: it is a necessity,\u201d said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. \u201cThe American Farm Bureau has long prioritized expanding broadband access in rural America, and we applaud Senators Thune, Luj\u00e1n, Klobuchar, and Fischer for working to streamline current broadband programming to ensure investments go to those areas that still are not served. Ensuring limited resources are targeted to those most in need will help all rural Americans access the services and opportunities they need to thrive in today\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) applauds Senators Thune, Luj\u00e1n, Klobuchar, and Fischer for their leadership in addressing the critical issue of rural broadband access in America,\u201d said Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association. \u201cThe Rural Internet Improvement Act would take necessary steps to address the digital divide in rural communities. Seed companies and their customers rely on connectivity, and ASTA appreciates the Senators\u2019 efforts in establishing accountability for existing programs and innovative ways to streamline processes to support rural America. We appreciate Congress\u2019 commitment to this critical issue, and we look forward to working together as they consider this key legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association is grateful to Senators Thune, Luj\u00e1n, Klobuchar, and Fischer for prioritizing agriculture innovation and progress through the Rural Internet Improvement Act,\u201d said Ethan L. Lane, vice president of government affairs at the National Cattlemen\u2019s Beef Association. \u201cIn rural America, internet access opens doors to increased efficiency, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. On-farm efficiency increases when producers are able to communicate from remote areas of their operation, compete in a fast-paced, competitive global marketplace, and use precision agriculture technologies that facilitate improvement of the land and natural resources. This legislation will ensure rural connectivity is afforded to a greater number of producers whose businesses simply cannot maintain viability for the future without it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The post Bipartisan effort to improve rural internet access<\/a> first appeared on Native Sun News Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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President Biden at Tribal Nations Summit. (Courtesy Photo) WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ben Ray Luj\u00e1n (D-N.M.), ranking member and chairman, respectively, of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), all members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and <\/p>\n

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