ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023

ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023

This bill merges the pilot ReConnect Loan and Grant Program with existing loans and grants provided by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to facilitate broadband access to rural areas that lack sufficient access to broadband. It also requires that any unobligated amounts available for the pilot program be transferred and made available, without further appropriations, to the merged program. The bill authorizes the merged program through FY2028.

The bill specifies the eligibility criteria and other requirements that apply to the merged program, some of which are the same as the criteria and requirements that currently apply to the pilot program (e.g., the required minimum upload and download speeds).

Further, the bill (1) eliminates the authority of USDA to make loan guarantees, and (2) authorizes USDA to make combinations of grants and loans.

The bill also requires that recipients of grants and loans participate in specified federal programs that assist low-income individuals access broadband and telecommunication services.

Bill 118 s 1642, also known as the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress with the aim of improving access to broadband internet in rural areas across the country. The bill seeks to address the digital divide that exists between urban and rural communities by investing in infrastructure and expanding broadband services to underserved areas.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a grant program that would provide funding to rural communities for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. This funding would help to bridge the gap in internet access between rural and urban areas, ensuring that all Americans have access to high-speed internet services.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the development of a national broadband strategy, which would outline goals and objectives for expanding broadband access in rural areas. This strategy would help to coordinate efforts across federal agencies and ensure that resources are being used effectively to improve internet connectivity in underserved communities. Overall, the ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023 aims to address the digital divide in rural America by investing in broadband infrastructure and expanding access to high-speed internet services. By improving internet connectivity in rural areas, the bill seeks to promote economic development, education, and healthcare access for all Americans, regardless of where they live.