U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) recently signed on as a cosponsor to the Broadband for Rural America Act, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) to help close America’s digital divide.
Rep. Lucas on June 22 became one of 37 Republicans supporting H.R. 3369, which Rep. Thompson introduced on May 20 with 21 original cosponsors to codify the ReConnect Program, expand rural broadband assistance, and improve the administration and accountability of the broadband programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), according to the text of the bill.
“The Broadband for Rural America Act provides important investments to USDA broadband programs which will in turn provide critical modern infrastructure to countless rural communities,” Rep. Lucas said on July 6. “I’m proud to support this important piece of legislation and look forward to continuing to be a supporter and advocate for expanding broadband to rural families and communities across Oklahoma.”
The bill would provide more than $7 billion in authorizations for USDA broadband connectivity programs, including the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, the Middle Mile Broadband Program, and the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program.
If enacted, H.R. 3369 also would target limited resources so assistance is focused on the most rural and least-connected residents, which are often the most expensive to connect, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Lucas’ staff.
“Access to affordable, high-speed internet is essential for families, business owners and communities in today’s 21st Century society,” said Rep. Lucas. “Unfortunately, rural communities often face challenges as broadband infrastructure is measured by the miles between customers compared to urban communities who measure broadband by the customers between miles.”
The measure also would promote borrower accountability and protect American taxpayers with new tools to ensure promised services are delivered to rural communities, according to the summary.
“The one issue that unites rural members on both sides of the aisle is the need to address the digital divide. This critical infrastructure void has been exacerbated by the challenges faced by rural families and businesses during the pandemic,” Rep. Thompson said earlier this week. “There are many broadband infrastructure plans, but the House GOP package puts a detailed plan on paper.”
Rep. Thompson also pointed out that H.R. 3369 is the only proposal that utilizes the expertise of USDA and focuses agencies across the government towards one common goal: connecting all Americans.
“Let’s put aside partisan differences, debate the merits of this legislation, and address this significant infrastructure need,” he added.