House Commerce Republicans Urge Democrats to Hold Hearing on Digital Divide and Homework Gap

House Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) urged Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) to hold a hearing on bridging the digital divide:

"We write to urge you to hold a hearing to examine ways to close the digital divide so that all Americans may experience the economic, educational, and health care benefits that access to broadband service provides. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for connectivity, as millions of Americans transition to working remotely. Children need broadband to be able to do their schoolwork from home.  Some Americans who do not have access to reliable broadband connections travel to the nearest parking lot to be able to connect to the Internet. It is our duty to examine these issues and work in a bipartisan manner to close the digital divide.... In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, communications companies have stepped up to address these barriers, and many have responded by offering free or reduced services, continuing services for those unable to pay, and offering additional data to make sure Americans remained connected during this time. Other companies have donated devices to make sure children are able to do their homework.... It is critical to examine potential solutions to close the homework gap and simultaneously take steps to reduce regulatory barriers to close the digital divide. These actions will promote competition and broadband infrastructure deployment that will long outlast the current crisis."