A House spending bill for the Agriculture Department would provide another $1.1 billion for rural broadband in fiscal 2021, a $435-million increase more than Congress provided for this year.

The American Farm Bureau Federation sent the Senate a wish list for the next coronavirus relief bill that includes a significant new round of aid to farmers as well as assistance for rural broadband and health care providers.

The fiscal side of climate impacts * Senate Dems set food priorities for next aid package

Companies say internet network capacity has stayed strong the last two months, but some providers are struggling to repay loans, provide internet routers, or find enough personal protective equipment to protect workers from COVID-19.

The Federal Communications Commission is planning to finalize draft procedures for the $16 billion phase one Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) next month.

House Democrats try to agree on the shape of the next major coronavirus relief bill, while farm groups lobby for a major new infusion of cash to offset the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

Social distancing may be a crucial step to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the lack of high-speed internet in rural areas to conduct classes, run small businesses, or practice telemedicine could have dire financial consequences if the pandemic lasts months.

Congressional leaders have reached agreement on a $2 trillion economic rescue package that would replenish the Agriculture Department’s Commodity Credit Corp. authority and earmark additional money for livestock and specialty crop producers as well as local agriculture.