7 U.S.C. § 950aaa — Purpose

Page 565 TITLE 7—AGRICULTURE § 950aaa–1 (A) the number of residences and busi- nesses receiving new broadband services; (B) network improvements, including fa- cility upgrades and equipment purchases; (C) average broadband speeds and prices on a local and statewide basis; (D) any changes in broadband adoption rates; and (E) any specific activities that increased high speed broadband access for educational institutions, health care providers, and pub- lic safety service providers. (e) Limitations on reservation of funds Not less than 3 but not more than 5 percent of program level amounts available pursuant to amounts appropriated to carry out subchapter VI shall be set aside to be used for— (1) conducting oversight under such sub- chapter; (2) implementing accountability measures and related activities authorized under such subchapter; and (3) carrying out this section. (May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title VII, § 701, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6207, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4740.) § 950cc–1. Environmental reviews The Secretary may obligate, but not disperse, funds under this chapter before the completion of otherwise required environmental, historical, or other types of reviews if the Secretary deter- mines that a subsequent site-specific review shall be adequate and easily accomplished for the location of towers, poles, or other broadband facilities in the service area of the borrower without compromising the project or the re- quired reviews. (May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title VII, § 702, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6208, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4743.) § 950cc–2. Use of loan proceeds to refinance loans for deployment of broadband service Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the proceeds of any loan made or guar- anteed by the Secretary under this chapter may be used by the recipient of the loan for the pur- pose of refinancing an outstanding obligation of the recipient on another telecommunications loan made under this chapter, or on any other loan if that loan would have been for an eligible telecommunications purpose under this chapter. (May 20, 1936, ch. 432, title VII, § 703, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6209, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4743.) CHAPTER 31A—TELEMEDICINE AND DIS- TANCE LEARNING SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS Sec. 950aaa. Purpose. 950aaa–1. Definitions. 950aaa–2. Telemedicine and distance learning serv- ices in rural areas. 950aaa–3. Administration. 950aaa–4. Regulations. 950aaa–5. Authorization of appropriations. TERMINATION OF CHAPTER For termination of chapter by section 1(b) of Pub. L. 102–551, see note set out under section 950aaa of this title. § 950aaa. Purpose The purpose of this chapter is to encourage and improve telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural resi- dents. (Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, § 2331, as added Pub. L. 104–127, title VII, § 704, Apr. 4, 1996, 110 Stat. 1108.) TERMINATION OF SECTION For termination of section by section 1(b) of Pub. L. 102–551, see Termination of Chapter note set out below. Editorial Notes PRIOR PROVISIONS A prior section 950aaa, Pub. L. 101–624, title XXIII, § 2331, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4017, provided purposes of chapter, prior to the general amendment of this chap- ter by Pub. L. 104–127. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries TERMINATION OF CHAPTER Pub. L. 102–551, § 1(b), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4100, as amended by Pub. L. 107–171, title VI, § 6203(b), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 421; Pub. L. 110–234, title VI, § 6201(c), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1206, and Pub. L. 110–246, § 4(a), title VI, § 6201(c), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 1967; Pub. L. 113–79, title VI, § 6201(b), Feb. 7, 2014, 128 Stat. 856; Pub. L. 115–334, title VI, § 6102(b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4728, provided that: ‘‘Notwithstanding any other provision of law, chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XXIII of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.), including the amendments made by this section [enacting section 950aaa–5 of this title and amending section 950aaa–4 of this title], shall be ef- fective until September 30, 2023.’’ [The authorities provided by each provision of, and each amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, as in effect on Sept. 30, 2024, to continue, and authorities to be car- ried out, until the later of Sept. 30, 2025, the date speci- fied in the provision of, or amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, or the date in effect pursuant to section 102 of Pub. L. 118–22 (7 U.S.C. 9001 note), see section 4101(a) of Pub. L. 118–158, set out in an Extension of Agricul- tural Programs note under section 9001 of this title.] § 950aaa–1. Definitions In this chapter: (1) Construct The term ‘‘construct’’ means to construct, acquire, install, improve, or extend a facility or system. (2) Cost of money loan The term ‘‘cost of money loan’’ means a loan made under this chapter bearing interest at a rate equal to the then current cost to the Fed- eral Government of loans of similar maturity. (3) Secretary The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of Agriculture.