Congressman Eric Sorensen of Illinois has reintroduced two bipartisan bills aimed at expanding high-speed internet access for rural communities. The Rural Broadband Assistance Act is designed to help small towns, local governments, and rural businesses more easily apply for broadband funding by providing expert support. Meanwhile, the ReConnecting Rural America Act—introduced with Representatives Zach Nunn and Gabe Vasquez—seeks to strengthen the USDA’s ReConnect Program, reauthorizing it, boosting service speed standards, and prioritizing the areas most in need. Sorensen says the goal is to ensure rural residents aren’t left behind in an increasingly digital world. Both measures are set to be considered in this year’s Farm Bill.
“Every hometown in Illinois deserves the necessary tools to stay connected and grow,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Whether it’s helping our neighbors get the support they need to apply for broadband funding or strengthening programs that bring faster internet to places that need it most, these bills are about making sure rural America isn’t left behind.”
