Witnesses and several members told the House Agriculture subcommittee that USDA's Reconnect broadband program was a rapid and effective tool for extending high‑speed Internet to rural communities, but they warned that proposed budget cuts and the elimination of certain affordability provisions risk undermining gains.

"Reconnect was hands down the fastest program to get infrastructure in the ground and to people," said Torres Small, a former USDA deputy secretary. She and other witnesses recommended preserving Reconnect's technology‑neutral approach so communities can use the best available mix of fiber, fixed wireless or other solutions.

Speakers also raised affordability concerns. Torres Small noted that some earlier program changes included an affordability component tied to providers' commitments; that subsidy or affordability support has since lapsed. "If you only got one provider and they're committed to being affordable, it can be a real challenge in the future," she said.

Members pressed witnesses on how to speed deployment and better coordinate federal programs with state financing, such as state revolving funds for water. Witnesses proposed tighter cross‑program coordination, continued grant funding for unserved areas and backend modernization — a single portal and consistent data systems — to reduce administrative burdens for applicants and for RD staff reviewing applications.

Lawmakers expressed bipartisan interest in protecting Reconnect for future appropriations and in considering program changes that would support digital literacy and long‑term affordability alongside infrastructure deployment.