USDA Explores Borrower Authority and Rural Broadband Protection Act
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**The USDA is exploring a significant increase in its borrowing authority to strengthen financial support programs for farmers facing ongoing economic strain.
Officials are considering raising the cap by as much as $30 billion dollars.
The proposal would allow USDA to expand lending and safety-net programs, including those administered through the Farm Service Agency.
Ag groups say additional flexibility could help stabilize farm income, particularly for smaller producers.
**Congress is intensifying scrutiny of foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, citing concerns about national security and control of the food supply.
Recent discussions have focused particularly on investments tied to China, though officials note foreign entities from several countries hold American ag land.
Lawmakers are considering new restrictions and enhanced reporting requirements to improve transparency around land purchases.
Supporters say tighter oversight is needed to protect strategic assets and rural communities.
**The NTCA, or Rural Broadband Association, is applauding congressional passage of the Rural Broadband Protection Act, which aims to strengthen oversight of providers seeking federal broadband funding.
The measure, already approved by the Senate, now heads to the president’s desk for final signature.
The legislation would require more rigorous vetting of applicants to the Federal Communications Commission’s high-cost Universal Service Fund program, ensuring recipients can deliver reliable service in rural areas.
