Rep. Cleaver Applauds USDA’s $1.15 Billion Investment to Expand Rural Broadband
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) is highlighting and applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement that it will provide up to $1.15 billion through the ReConnect Program to help rural Americans access high-speed internet. The funding will allow for a significant expansion of broadband access in rural communities in Missouri and other states throughout the country. Congressman Cleaver has long been a supporter of the ReConnect Program—which was given an additional $100 million in funding through the Cleaver-approved CARES Act and is typically funded through the annual Agriculture appropriations legislation. Additionally, with Cleaver's support, the ReConnect program provided $7.5 million for rural broadband expansion in Saline County last year.
"If we're going to truly build back better, then closing the digital divide and investing in rural America have to be major priorities for this administration and the United States Congress," said Congressman Cleaver. "That's something I have strongly advocated for since coming to Congress, and I'm happy to see President Biden taking the steps needed to support our rural communities. With this funding, more Missouri kids will have the ability to do their homework on high-speed internet, more seniors will have access to tele-health services, and more small businesses will be able to compete in the 21st century economy. That's a major win for my constituents in Marshall, Sweet Springs, Odessa, Richmond, Lexington, and all throughout the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri—and I look forward to working with these communities to ensure they get the funding they need and deserve."
The USDA announced that it will begin accepting applications for the $1.15 billion in loans and grants on November 24th.
More information on the USDA's announcement is available here.
More information on the ReConnect Program and how to apply is available here.
Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution phot of Congressman Cleaver is available here.
