On September 24, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce granted an extension for further consideration ending no later than October 28, 2021 of H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act. Rep. David Scott (D-GA) introduced the Bill in the House on July 9.
If enacted, the bill would aim to create reliable and affordable broadband access for everyone by investing $43.2 billion in the Department of Agriculture’s rural development broadband programs. These programs provide financial and technical support to rural communities seeking to improve their broadband services. The bill would also establish the Broadband Connectors program, which would supply substantial assistance to rural communities such as assessing broadband needs, identifying potential financing sources, providing application process guidance, and supporting management and maintenance of their networks.
