U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) recently sponsored a bipartisan bill that would increase access to faster broadband telecommunications services in America’s rural areas.
“Access to high-speed, affordable internet is critical to the success of our rural communities and our long-term economic vitality,” Rep. Feenstra said on Monday. “Reliable broadband connection ensures that our families can work from home, our farmers can effortlessly monitor commodity prices online, and our main street businesses can utilize the technology they need to serve their customers and make a living.”
Rep. Feenstra on June 9 introduced the Rural Broadband Modernization Act, H.R. 3964, alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY).
If enacted, H.R. 3964 also would provide grants and loans to rural communities to expand rural broadband access, construct the necessary infrastructure for broadband deployment, and increase minimum broadband speeds in rural areas, according to the legislative text.
“Born and raised in rural Iowa, I know that too many families and communities in the Fourth Congressional District lack access to high-speed broadband, which is an absolute necessity in today’s interconnected economy,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I am proud that my legislation… will take real steps to connect more Iowans to the internet and ensure that upload and download speeds keep up with the demands of our families, farmers, and businesses in rural America.”
The Citizens Mutual Telephone Cooperative, the Iowa Communications Alliance, Premier Communications, and the Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association endorsed H.R. 3964.
“My constituents in southern Illinois are all too familiar with how difficult it can be to get reliable, high-speed internet connection in smaller, rural communities,” said Rep. Bost. “This investment in modernizing our broadband infrastructure will help expand access for Americans who need it, empowering families and small businesses to better connect with each other and the world.”