Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) were joined by U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), John Thune (R-SD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to introduce the Proper Leadership to Align Networks (PLAN) for Broadband Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require the Administration to develop and implement a national strategy to close the digital divide. 

The PLAN for Broadband Act is based upon a Government Accountability Office report that found federal broadband efforts are fragmented and overlapping. The report recommended that a national broadband strategy is needed to avoid duplication and ensure funds are reaching the truly unserved and underserved.

"Historic federal funding alone cannot close the digital divide — we must also invest the necessary time and planning to effectively allocate these resources to the communities that need it most," said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. "I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Walberg to develop a national strategy to deliver high-speed broadband across the country and prevent wasteful, redundant spending. I will continue fighting to streamline our efforts to close the digital divide here in New Hampshire and beyond." 

“Experts have testified that we have enough funding to bridge the digital divide but don't have the proper strategy,” said Congressman Tim Walberg. “The PLAN for Broadband Act will increase coordination among all relevant federal agencies, prevent wasteful and duplicative efforts, and increase efficiency to close the divide. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Kuster to advance this vital piece of legislation to ensure that no one is left behind in today’s digital age.” 

Support for the Legislation

“We are facing a moment of transformational change to close the digital divide—with investment that rivals historic efforts to bring electricity to rural America.  We have a unique opportunity to ensure high-speed internet reaches everyone, everywhere, so we have to get it right. A big part of getting it right requires coordination. At the FCC, we’ve already begun that work by signing formal data sharing agreements with our counterparts at the Commerce Department, USDA, and the Treasury Department…I thank Congresswoman Kuster and Congressman Walberg for their continued support to help coordinate our efforts to close the digital divide,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. 

“I applaud Representatives Walberg and Kuster as well as Senators Wicker, Luján, Thune, and Welch for their thoughtful work and leadership in introducing the PLAN for Broadband Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would fill a key gap in the federal government’s approach to broadband infrastructure spending by requiring a national strategy and implementation plan to increase coordination across broadband programs and protect against waste, fraud, and abuse,” said FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. 

####