Rep Matheson's amendment cuts broadband funding in spending bill

The spending bill approved by the House on Saturday includes an amendment that would defund a broadband grant program at the Agriculture Department. Rep Jim Matheson (D-Utah) introduced an amendment to defund the Community Connect broadband grant program, which pays for broadband infrastructure projects and community computer centers in rural areas. The program had a budget of around $13 million last year. rep Matheson, who ultimately opposed the GOP spending bill, said he offered the amendment because Community Connect is an "ineffective program." The Community Connect predates the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; it did not receive stimulus dollars.