Congressman Eric Sorensen of Illinois has teamed up with Indiana’s Erin Houchin to introduce the bipartisan Data BRIDGE Act, aiming to improve rural broadband access for farmers and agricultural communities. The legislation would require the Federal Communications Commission to integrate cultivated land data from the Department of Agriculture into the National Broadband Map, which is key for allocating federal broadband funding. Advocates say this move addresses a critical gap, as cropland and pastures have often been overlooked in connectivity efforts. Supporters argue that ensuring reliable internet for these areas is essential for modern farming practices and the economic competitiveness of rural America.
“Access to fast and reliable internet isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for Americans across the country to stay competitive in our fast-moving world,” said Congressman Sorensen. “For too long, farmers and rural communities have been left out of the race to connect our country with high-speed internet despite its importance to modern farming practices. The USDA and the FCC already have the tools at their disposal to ensure no one is overlooked. It’s finally time for them to join forces by integrating cultivated land data into the National Broadband Map to bring more communities online.”
“Our farmers depend on reliable broadband to stay competitive in a modern economy, said Congressman Houchin. “The Data BRIDGE Act is a commonsense, low-cost solution that ensures federal broadband investments actually reach the fields, pastures and production areas where work happens. I have fought for years to expand rural broadband, and this bill is another important step toward closing the connectivity gap for our farm families and rural communities.”
