NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 275 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 1939 - FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024- a proposed amendment to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program and Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3321 - Lowering Broadband Costs For Consumers Act - all sections. S. 3565 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. S. 4297 - Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024 - all sections. H.R.815 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 3283 - Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R.- 3299 - DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3565 - Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act - all sections. H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 6915 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 6929 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2024 and FY2025 appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses. USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service. Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, The Affordable Connectivity Program, compliance costs of certain rulemakings, and other aspects of rural communications operations. Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues. Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.