Rep Neguse Introduces Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Improve Rural Broadband Accessibility

Rep Joe Neguse (D-CO) unveiled bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand access to universal broadband. Led by Neguse in the House, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act is the companion to Senate legislation originally introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD). The Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to improve funding for the Universal Service Fund (USF), expanding access to broadband and other telecommunications services. The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Lizzie Fletcher, Diana DeGette, Angie Craig, Jack Bergman and Kat Cammack. The USF, as a subsidiary of the FCC, supports programs that increase broadband access in rural communities, facilitate rural health care, and expand access to affordable broadband service for low-income families, schools, and libraries. Broadband is vital for economic development, care deliverability, and the expansion of educational services.