House Appropriators Outline Broadband Priorities in Agriculture Budget Proposal Report
The House Appropriations Committee outlined broadband priorities it wants the federal government to abide by, in its report accompanying the FY 2016 Department of Agriculture appropriations bill before full committee markup. The report offers justification for the funding levels in…
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committee appropriations bills. The Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee approved the bill in late June, allocating slightly less money than last year for the broadband provisions (see 1506190028). “Funding provided for the broadband program is intended to promote broadband availability in those areas where there is not otherwise a business case for private investment in a broadband network,” the report said. “The Committee directs RUS [Rural Utilities Service] to focus expenditures on projects that bring broadband service to currently unserved households.” The appropriators also flagged the broadband access difficulties that Indian tribal organizations face: “The Committee encourages the Secretary to provide a report that identifies the specific challenges Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) have in gaining access to broadband service and provide a plan for addressing these challenges, including how the Community Connect program can assist ITOs.” The committee will mark up the appropriations bill at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in 2359 Rayburn.