Damare Baker

Lawmakers and former federal officials said that universal broadband access is essential to boosting the American economy during and after the coronavirus pandemic. “The pandemic has conclusively proven that everyone needs internet connection to have a fair shot at success,” said Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. She added that there is an enormous amount of lost economic opportunity if the United States doesn’t figure out how to expand internet connectivity to all Americans.

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) called for bridging the digital divide to help stimulate employment and workplace equity. They both pushed for congressional passage of infrastructure packages that would increase broadband access to rural and urban areas across the country. Data maps inaccurately portray parts of the U.S. as having broadband access, making it difficult for lawmakers to know which areas need more attention, said Rep Brooks. Rep Blunt Rochester noted there is bipartisan support for infrastructure legislation that would eliminate disparities.

Ensuring all US households have high-speed internet will help provide similar education opportunities to students at different income levels, particularly during the pandemic, Democrats said. “Education justice involves giving everybody the same access to information,” said Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL).

Ensuring all US households have high-speed internet will help provide similar education opportunities to students at different income levels, particularly during the pandemic, Democratic policymakers said. “Education justice involves giving everybody the same access to information,” said Rep Donna Shalala (D-FL). Federal Communications Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said, “We need a national policy of 100 percent of our households online,” she said.