Sen. Warren Applauds Passage of Rural Broadband Amendment to Senate Farm Bill
Says Investment in Broadband Initiatives Critical for Western Mass
WASHINGTON, DC - United States Senator Elizabeth Warren today applauded the passage of an amendment to the Senate's Farm Bill that would establish a pilot program to fund broadband projects in rural areas. Sen. Warren, who voted in favor of the amendment sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), highlighted the importance of broadband investments to rural areas in Western Massachusetts.
"I'm pleased the Senate passed this amendment to support broadband programs critical to rural areas," said Senator Warren. "These infrastructure investments are key to growing the economy in Western Massachusetts. This is a great example of how the federal government can be a strong partner for towns throughout the Pioneer Valley and the Berkshires."
The Leahy amendment establishes a pilot program within the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program that would help fund gigabit Internet projects in rural areas. Gigabit Internet is about 100 times faster than current average broadband speeds. The amendment was approved as part of the five-year farm bill that passed the Senate on Monday evening.
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