Rep. McClain Delaney Introduces Four Bipartisan Bills to Tackle Rising Costs in Rural America, Including Barriers to Expanding Broadband

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced a slate of bipartisan bills aimed at lowering costs in rural America and expanding access to reliable broadband. These bills, co-led by Rep. Bresnahan (PA-08), would strengthen several U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and better connect rural communities with high-speed broadband and other essential utilities.

"The affordability crisis is hitting rural America hard. Across the country, broadband, electricity, and clean water remain out of reach for far too many families, including those in Maryland's Sixth District. All communities-regardless of ZIP code-must have the tools, access, and connectivity they need to prosper, innovate, and thrive in our 21st-Century global economy," said McClain Delaney. "These bipartisan bills address the dire need to lower costs and remove barriers to access. I'm proud to have championed this commonsense legislative package with Rep. Bresnahan, who recognizes that affordability in rural America is an urgent priority."

"Rural communities aren't an afterthought, they're the backbone of this country, powering our economy and feeding our families. But for too long, they've been asked to do more with less," said Rep. Bresnahan. "Supporting rural areas means investing in broadband, modernizing water and electricity services, and expanding access to telemedicine and workforce development. I'm proud to work with Rep. McClain Delaney and throw our weight behind rural communities and the resources they deserve."

The Rural Utilities Service Modernization Act would streamline the permitting process for USDA's Rural Utilities Service, which administers programs for rural utilities such as broadband, water, and electricity services that farmers, ranchers, and rural families need to thrive. The bill would require the agency to develop and manage digital platforms to streamline permits and applications. It would also establish a permitting preplanning grant program, improve the alignment of the Notice of Funding Opportunities process, and mandate a report to Congress every two years on the program's progress.

The Prioritizing Rural Broadband Affordability Act would require the Secretary of Agriculture to take broadband affordability into account when defining underserved households or service areas for grant awards.

The Quality Broadband for Connected Communities Act would amend USDA's Community Connect Program, which provides grants to bring broadband to rural communities with limited internet access. The bill would update the program's speed requirements, better aligning federal investments with the connectivity needs of rural communities.

The Expanding Access to Distance Learning and Telemedicine Act seeks to modernize the USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program by broadening eligibility to support investments in telemedicine delivery, cybersecurity infrastructure, workforce development, job training, and distance learning technologies for rural communities.

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For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland's 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland's 6th District.