Working to make the buildout of rural broadband a reality

As Virginians have been adapting to a new way of life during the coronavirus outbreak, high-speed internet access has become a necessity, now more than ever. The coronavirus emergency has only exacerbated the burden of internet insecurity and the consequences of inadequate access for rural Americans. That is why, in April, I wrote a letter to House and Senate leadership advocating for the inclusion of rural connectivity capabilities in future coronavirus stimulus packages, including key legislation that I have put forward in Congress. In March, I introduced the Serving Rural America Act. The legislation would create a pilot grant program at the Federal Communications Commission authorizing $500 million over five years to expand broadband service to unserved areas of the country. On June 1, as part of my First District Broadband Task Force, I hosted a virtual fireside chat with FCC Chairman Pai and local government leaders, tribal leaders and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC’s work on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), which provides $20.4 billion for rural broadband, and what we can do to help close the digital divide.

I have and will continue to work vigorously to pass the Serving Rural America Act as well as facilitate the many other measures to bring greater service to the underserved in our region.