Sens Leahy And Daines Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Broadband To Rural Americans

Sens Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Steve Daines (R- MT) have introduced the bipartisan Reprioritizing Unserved Rural Areas and Locations for Broadband (RURAL Broadband) Act of 2018, which will prioritize federal funds that are used to provide broadband access to areas that are unserved with no access, before they are used to upgrade areas with existing service. Their bill is a significant step toward prioritizing unserved rural areas in Vermont and other states. Sen Leahy said: "Closing the digital divide in rural America is a national priority, and national investments are vital in getting this done. This bill will help make sure that these funds are used effectively while also ensuring that rural consumers are not stuck without service when providers fail to meet their obligations.” Sen Daines said: “We must work to close the rural-digital divide so our rural communities can be part of the 21st Century economy. Our bill ensures that these critical funds be used for the communities who need them most.”