Subcommittee Holds Hearing Examining Walberg's Legislation to Bridge Digital Divide

Yesterday, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held a legislative hearing to discuss legislation to expand access to the reliable broadband needed for the 21st Century. The Subcommittee examined the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act, introduced by Congressmen Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Scott Peters (D-CA).

"Students, families, and small businesses rely on internet connectivity each day, and we can't allow rural America to get left behind in today's digital age," said Rep. Walberg. "We must develop a national strategy to streamline our efforts and deliver high-speed broadband across the country. I am proud to see the subcommittee consider my legislation, the bipartisan PLAN for Broadband Act, which would increase coordination among all relevant federal agencies so we can close the digital divide."

Background

The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found that federal broadband efforts are oftentimes fragmented and duplicative. While enough federal funding exists to bridge the digital divide, a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplicative efforts and ensure that funds are available to reach the truly unserved and underserved areas. The PLAN for Broadband Act would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide.

Congressman Walberg serves as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus. For more information on Walberg's work in Congress, visit walberg.house.gov.