A bipartisan group of Senators has reintroduced legislation to streamline USDA’s broadband programs including the agency’s popular ReConnect program. Among other things, the bill will merge and codify ReConnect with USDA’s traditional broadband grant/loan program, increase transparency by improving the challenge process and requiring the USDA to enter into a MOU with the FCC and the NTIA to facilitate outreach to rural residents and businesses of available federal revenue for broadband. Prime sponsors are Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Deb Fischer (R-NE).