Senators Marshall & Welch Reintroduce Legislation to Strengthen USDA Broadband Program for Rural Communities

Posted November 3, 2025

Washington–On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), reintroduced the bipartisan ReConnecting Rural America Act alongside Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont). This legislation will strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Loan and Grant Program. The program expands high-speed broadband in rural communities, which are more likely to experience limited internet capabilities compared to urban or suburban areas.

“Just as the great Kansan President Eisenhower understood the importance of investing in our nation’s highways in the 1950s, we must invest in the critical highway of our time: reliable, high-speed internet,”said Senator Marshall. “Broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for our way of life. From family farms to schools to small businesses, rural communities depend on connectivity now more than ever. The ReConnecting Rural America Act will help bring rural Kansas up to speed, and I am proud to work with Senator Welch to reintroduce this important legislation.”

“The last few years have shown all of us how important high-speed broadband is to our communities. From online school and remote work to telemedicine, a good connection is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Many rural communities don’t have access to broadband at all, let alone the higher speeds needed to participate in today’s digital economy. Our bipartisan legislation will help more Americans access the service they need, with the help of USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant program. I’m glad to partner with Senator Marshall on this important bill.” 

The legislation will enhance the ReConnect Program by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the installation of broadband in rural communities. The legislation will also:

  • Establish 100/100 Mbps symmetrical buildout speeds for ReConnect.
  • Clarify that USDA can make grants, loans, or grant-loan combinations under ReConnect.
  • Establish clear definitions to ensure ReConnect prioritizes those who need broadband most.
  • Clarify that Communications Union Districts are eligible entities under ReConnect. 
  • Improve coordination and communication among stakeholders at the federal level.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Background:

Senator Marshall has fought for stronger rural broadband access for many years:

  • In May 2023, Senator Marshall first introduced the ReConnect Rural America Act, and in June 2023, he delivered remarks on the Senate floor on his fight for broader access to high-speed internet in rural communities across America. 
  • In October 2024, Senator Marshall met with Home Communications in New Cambria, Kansas, to discuss their family-owned telephone company that serves the eastern half of McPherson County, and how local broadband providers continue to do a great job of bringing high-speed internet to our rural communities.

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