NTCA, Rural Organizations Urge Continued Support for USDA Telecommunications Programs

NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, in partnership with several rural stakeholders, sent a letter to members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in support of sufficient 2026 funding for the telecommunications programs overseen by the Rural Utilities Service within the Department of Agriculture. The organizations wrote, "Congress’s continued support for funding RUS telecommunications and broadband programs remains vital. A strong public-private partnership is essential to America’s quest to secure and maintain global broadband preeminence. Given our shared interest in ensuring the long-term success and well-being of rural America, and in light of the positive return for the national budget arising out of the agency’s lending efforts at a time when budgetary pressures are significant, it is our hope you will maintain support for RUS’ telecommunications programs." The letter also notes that, "Not only do the funding programs administered by RUS help rural America get connected, but the agency’s telecommunications and broadband program loans must be paid back with interest—creating a win-win situation for rural consumers and American taxpayers."