Reps Nunn, Vasquez, and Sorensen Introduce the ReConnecting Rural America Act

Reps Zach Nunn (R-IA), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL) introduced the ReConnecting Rural America Act, bipartisan legislation that would permanently authorize and improve the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Program, which delivers broadband internet to underserved rural communities. The ReConnecting Rural America Act would codify and enhance the ReConnect Program within the Rural Electrification Act, establishing stronger minimum broadband speeds and ensuring federal support reaches the communities most in need of internet service upgrades. It addresses the disparities in internet connection by:

• Authorizing $650 million annually through 2030 for broadband deployment in unserved and underserved rural areas,
• Requiring a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps upload and 100 Mbps download,
• Focusing funding on areas where at least 75% of households lack access to 100/20 Mbps service,
• Allowing USDA to offer a mix of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations,
• Prioritizing small, remote, and underserved rural communities, and
• Providing up to 100% grant funding for tribal areas, colonias, and other socially vulnerable or persistently poor communities.

The bill also supports broadband deployment for precision agriculture on cropland and ranchland and ensures participating providers join affordability programs like Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program.