"only $2 billion was provided for USDA's Rural Development broadband."
"That is making what we have to do now a national security issue."
"this has been an extraordinary hearing at an extraordinary and historic time."
"Most areas in rural America go without broadband, and that must change now."
"Now is the time."
"This has been an extraordinary hearing at an extraordinary and historic time."
"The ReConnect Program...has delivered a total of $3.86 billion to create and improve high-speed internet access to rural customers."
"the United States Department of Agriculture is the one best suited to lead and coordinate the effort."
"Expanding high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband access in rural America is a top priority of mine in this farm bill."
"Broadband addresses other longstanding inequities through expanding access to healthcare, educational, and workforce development opportunities."
"we are recognized around the world as having the best, foremost, number one agriculture system in the world."