Close the digital divide, but don’t trap people in the slow lane
Although Republicans recoiled when President Biden unveiled his sweeping infrastructure plan in March, a bipartisan group of senators has thrown its support behind one of the less conventional ideas in the package: making a massive investment in broadband networks. But as crucial as these networks are to the 21st century economy, it’s not just the amount Congress spends that matters.
The United States Department of Agriculture is investing $21 million to provide broadband service in rural areas in New York without sufficient access to broadband. This investment is part of the $550 million Congress allocated to the second round of the ReConnect Program. Empire Long Distance Corporation will use an $11.3 million ReConnect grant to deploy a fiber-to-the-premises network.
The hearing will offer the opportunity for Members of the House of Representatives to testify before the Committee on legislation or issues of importance to them, their constituents, and districts within the Committee's jurisdiction.
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