Kuster Outlines Importance of Rural Broadband for NH Families, Urges Expanded Services in Agriculture Markup

Press Release

Washington, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, participated in a full Committee markup of H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act. Rep. Kuster voted to advance this legislation which will invest $43.2 billion in USDA's Rural Development broadband programs over the course of 8 years to bolster broadband infrastructure, support distance learning and telemedicine programs, and close the digital divide.

"To ensure rural America continues to be a great place to live and work, we need to help spur full broadband coverage as quickly as possible," said Rep. Kuster. "The legislation in front of the Committee today takes the lessons learned during COVID-19 and makes bold, purposeful investments in our internet future. By boosting funding and improving existing USDA programs and strategically establishing new ones, we can make it easier for farmers and producers to fully engage in the digital economy. I'm proud to support this legislation which will help deploy broadband to New Hampshire communities."

Rep. Kuster is a leading voice in Congress to expand internet access and services in rural communities. In May, Kuster helped introduce the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, legislation that would authorize over $94 billion to ensure unserved and underserved communities have affordable high-speed internet access.

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