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

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

The reality is that rurality is not a straight line.

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

We need a rural broadband that will do three things.

I believe that unless we have an agency that is going to address these questions from social media and AI, we really don't have much of a defense against the bad stuff.

We need a rural broadband that will do three things.

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

The benefit of the USDA having greater flexibility coordinating with other Federal agencies, I think the benefit there is USDA's rich history in its commitment to rural America.

I support the ReConnecting Rural America Act, with the modifications that I noted in my testimony.

The reality is that rurality is not a straight line.

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

I believe that unless we have an agency that is going to address these questions from social media and AI, we really don't have much of a defense against the bad stuff.

When our communities lack access to quality internet, they are locked out of the global economy and cutoff from critical services.

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

Now is the time to focus on fiber and get fiber everywhere, as soon as possible, as it will be the most efficient use of the Federal funding dollars that are available.

One-third of rural Americans are unable to access broadband of 100 Mbps, and you have got to have speed.

we absolutely have to have an agency. What its scope of engagement is has to be defined by us.

the most consequential question now before Congress--the one that most impacts the most people we all represent-- is whether the United States of America will do what it has always done: pay its bills in full and on time. It was Alexander…

In Vermont, dairy has been our backbone in terms of playing that role historically, and it is under immense pressure.

How do we maintain local agriculture, small family agriculture, for the values that it represents?

In Vermont, dairy has been our backbone in terms of playing that role historically, and it is under immense pressure.

How do we maintain local agriculture, small family agriculture, for the values that it represents?

Farmers, we want to participate in every single sustainability program.