Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06) in introducing  H.R. 1783, the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, which authorizes over $94 billion to ensure unserved and underserved communities have affordable high-speed internet access.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for all Americans to have a reliable, high-speed internet connection as many students are learning in virtual classrooms, employees are working from home, and telehealth appointments have replaced many in-person doctor's visits," said Rep. Kuster. "Having a reliable internet connection has never been more important, and I'm proud to join House Majority Whip James Clyburn and the Rural Broadband Task Force to introduce this badly-needed legislation to invest in high-speed broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities. The Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act will help to ensure that Americans in the Granite State and across the country – especially those in rural areas – have access to an affordable, reliable internet connection."

“Access to broadband today will have the same dramatic impact on rural communities as the rural electrification efforts in the last century,” said Whip Clyburn. “When I formed the Rural Broadband Task Force, our mission was to address the digital divide. The disparate effects of that divide have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic and exposed the urgency of ensuring universal access to high-speed internet. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to enact the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus, introduced the bill in the Senate.

“When we invest in broadband infrastructure, we invest in opportunity for all Americans,” said Senator Klobuchar. “In 2021, we should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in America — regardless of their zip code. This legislation will help bridge the digital divide once and for all.”

This legislation is the product of extensive collaboration between members of the House Rural Broadband Task Force, Chairman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) and the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Senator Klobuchar.

See bill text here.

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