Thank you. Ms. Shute, can you explain the Community Union District concept in Vermont, and whether you think entities like that should be eligible for ReConnect grants?

Thank you. Ms. Shute, can you explain the Community Union District concept in Vermont, and whether you think entities like that should be eligible for ReConnect grants?

When our communities lack access to quality internet, they are locked out of the global economy.

Thank you. Mr. Shekleton, I appreciate your testimony about coordination, it is really important.

Thank you. The streamlined permitting seems to be a common concern that every one of you has.

Our overall job is to revitalize rural America, and the health of rural America.

Thank you. The streamlined permitting seems to be a common concern that every one of you has.

The reality is that rurality is not a straight line.

When our communities lack access to quality internet, they are locked out of the global economy.

Today along with Senator Marshall, I introduced the Reconnecting Rural America Act.

I would like to conclude by saying that broadband is fundamentally an equity issue.

We need a rural broadband that will do three things.

We need a rural broadband that will do three things.

I applaud the Appropriations Act providing $365 million for Round 5 of ReConnect, but it undermines two key characteristics of the ReConnect program.

Our overall job is to revitalize rural America, and the health of rural America.

One-third of rural Americans are unable to access broadband of 100 Mbps.

The reality is that rurality is not a straight line.

Thank you. Mr. Shekleton, I appreciate your testimony about coordination, it is really important.