The National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) in conjunction with a number of U.S. House of Representatives members was able to convince lawmakers to get part of the RUS (Rural Utilities Service) Broadband Loan Program restored in the Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 2112.
While it was close, the House voted 221-198 to pass an amendment to H.R. 2112 that includes restoring $6 million, which provides about $100 million in loan authority, for next year's fiscal budget.
"With current regulatory uncertainty, private funding sources have become scarce, so having the support through the RUS Broadband Loan Program is imperative for the continued expansion of broadband throughout rural America," said Shirley Bloomfield, NTCA's CEO in a release.
In a letter to the House, the NTCA argued that not only are the RUS Broadband Loan Program projects are funded with loans that must be paid back with interest and that the program will help service providers achieve the U.S.' broadband deployment goals.
For more:
- see the release
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