The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday passed bipartisan legislation supported by U.S. Rep. Billy Long (R-MO) to improve the nation’s broadband data collection and mapping capabilities toward closing the digital divide.
The U.S. Senate received the bill on Dec. 17 and referred it for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
“I’m grateful for the strong, bipartisan support as we work towards a more connected future,” Rep. Long said.
The congressman in September signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act, H.R. 4227, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA) and which has 47 other cosponsors.
If enacted, H.R. 4227 would make it unlawful to willfully, knowingly or recklessly submit inaccurate broadband coverage information or mapping data to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according to the congressional record summary.
“The federal government spends billions of dollars each year on rural broadband deployment, yet millions of Americans lack basic access to broadband services,” said Rep. Long. “For rural communities, such as those in Missouri, knowing where broadband is and is not available at certain speeds is crucial and will go a long way in closing the digital divide.”
Rep. McEachin added that H.R. 4227 would ensure the FCC has a more complete understanding of broadband availability across the country.
“I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider this bill immediately so that all Virginians and all Americans have access to fast, reliable, and affordable broadband internet services,” he said.