ICYMI: Blue Dogs to Play Key Role on House Rural Broadband Task Force
WASHINGTON—Yesterday, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn launched a new House Task Force on Rural Broadband to provide coordination and leadership to end the rural-digital divide. The Task Force will work to advance solutions to ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025.
Several members of the Blue Dog Coalition have joined the House Task Force on Rural Broadband, including the Co-Chairs of the Blue Dog Task Force on Rural Opportunity, Reps. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02). Other members of the Blue Dog Coalition participating on the Task Force are Reps. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Anthony Brindisi (NY-22), and Collin Peterson (MN-07).
The Task Force will consult with key stakeholders, including rural advocates, market participants, local governments, and Administration officials to develop strategies to eliminate digital deserts and ensure rural Americans can thrive in the 21st century information economy.
"The future success of our rural communities depends on the infrastructure investments we make today. That's why I am committed to working in the House to expand high-speed broadband internet access across Central Virginia and throughout rural America," said Rep. Spanberger, Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on Rural Opportunity. "As a member of the new Rural Broadband Task Force, I look forward to advancing effective legislation and advocating on behalf of our rural families, entrepreneurs, and educators. Reliable access to the internet is a vital component of staying economically competitive in our hyper-connected world, and all Americans should be able to experience these opportunities—no matter their zip code. As we mark National Infrastructure Week, I'm urging my colleagues to include broadband internet in this larger conversation and to pursue bipartisan legislation to help address the connectivity concerns of our rural neighbors."
"As we kick off Infrastructure week, we cannot forget that rural broadband is one of the biggest infrastructure needs of this country," said Rep. Torres Small, Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Task Force on Rural Opportunity. "In an increasingly digital world, broadband is no longer a luxury, but a modern necessity. It is how our children do their homework, how artists and small business owners expand their reach and thrive, and how rural elderly can stay healthy by using long distance health care. New Mexico ranks among the states least connected to good, reliable internet and as a member of the new Rural Broadband Task Force, I'm committed to working with my colleagues to ensure our rural communities in New Mexico and across the country have access to affordable internet."