Lawmakers, officials stress need to expand broadband access

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. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and former US Trade Representative Ambassador Ron Kirk both stressed that the US must adapt to the changing economy in order to stay competitive against other countries.