House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee Advances Precision Ag Broadband Bill

A new task force aimed at meeting the broadband needs of precision agriculture would be created under legislation – the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 (HR 4881) – cleared by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology June 15.The bill was authored by House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Chairman Bob Latta, R-Ohio, and Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa. It would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and USDA to form the task force to come up with the best ways to meet the broadband needs of precision agriculture.Rural broadband has received increased attention in recent years from USDA and from state and federal agencies. Improving infrastructure, including expanding rural broadband, was a key recommendation in USDA's Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Task Force report released late last year.In the past, some state funding to expand and improve rural broadband has been diverted to other programs. Observers have previously suggested spot checks on any funding directed for rural broadband to make sure it is being used for the purposes targeted.