Closing the digital divide through broadband expansion

[Commentary] The American way of life has changed dramatically since my youth, due in large part to our ability to communicate instantly via the Internet. However, not every American family can afford up to $60 per month for broadband services at home, putting themselves and their children at a disadvantage. Today, young and old Americans look to the Internet to provide necessary information to succeed and in-home broadband service offers an immediate wealth of knowledge to their door.

I have introduced the Broadband Affordability Act in the House of Representatives. If enacted, a broadband Lifeline Assistance program will be established under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) within the already-existing framework of the Universal Services Fund (USF) to create a program for universal broadband adoption similar to the current USF lifeline assistance program. As a result, we will expand affordable broadband access in urban and rural areas, particularly for low-income households, and help close the digital divide for millions of Americans. As the bill is being considered by the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am working with my colleagues to illustrate the need amongst low-income Americans for this critical service.

The bill has been endorsed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and just this week, the Board of Directors of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) unanimously adopted a resolution supporting this important legislation at its annual meeting in Chicago.