Letter to Hon. Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture - Thune Leads Republican Colleagues in Urging USDA to Reverse Decision to Include So-Called "Net Neutrality" Commitments in ReConnect Program

Letter

Dear Secretary Vilsack,

We write today regarding our concerns with the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural eConnecvity Pilot Program's (ReConnect) scoring criteria, which includes so-called "net neutrality" commitments.

The buildout of broadband infrastructure, including to some of the most remote and rural areas of this country, has transformed our nation's economy and provided new opportunities for many Americans. The investment in broadband infrastructure by both small and large providers remains at an all-time high due to the light-touch regulatory approach taken by the federal government.

As you know, "net neutrality" restrictions have been subject to much debate in Congress and at the Federal Communications Commission, the agency that oversees our nation's telecommunications policy. Any effort to impose unnecessary "net neutrality" restrictions would be dangerous to our nation's dynamic broadband economy and threaten future investments in broadband infrastructure.

Further, it is deeply troubling that USDA is suggesting it has the authority much less the qualified staff and expertise to make determinations about "lawful Internet traffic." If USDA decides to make attempts at regulating the Internet absent authority from Congress, it would lead to tremendous legal and marketplace uncertainty.

Rather than attempting to impose monopoly-era regulations on broadband providers and politicizing the ReConnect program, we strongly urge you to reverse your decision to provide additional scoring points based on USDA's determination of what constitutes "net neutrality."

Sincerely,