Contact: Lauren Gaydos, 703-351-2015
Arlington, Va., (February 23, 2021)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association today issued the following statement congratulating Tom Vilsack on his confirmation to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“I congratulate Secretary Vilsack on his confirmation to serve again as agriculture secretary,” said NTCA Chief Executive Officer Shirley Bloomfield.
“NTCA enjoyed a strong working relationship with Secretary Vilsack during his previous tenure at the head of USDA, and thanks in large part to partnerships with the agency and its Rural Utilities Service, NTCA members have led the charge to close the digital divide in rural America by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks.
“As NTCA and our members continue to focus on helping our country overcome challenges in connecting all Americans, including farmers and agribusinesses, and ensuring the future prosperity, health and safety of all who call rural America home, we look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack.”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org.