Washington, DC – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) helped the House pass H.R. 3994, the ACCESS BROADBAND Act. This bipartisan legislation she cosponsored requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth.
“I am pleased to work with Congressman Tonko to pass this bipartisan bill that will help improve access to broadband in rural districts like ours,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Increasing access to broadband in our district is critical to ensuring our businesses can compete, our economy can grow, and our children have access to the best educational resources. This is why just last week I introduced a bipartisan bill to increase access by providing tax credits to homeowners and businesses to cover the cost of building broadband infrastructure. I will continue to work at the federal level to ensure the North Country has access to this 21st century infrastructure.”
Last week, Congresswoman Stefanik introduced the Broadband for All Act.
The ACCESS BROADBAND Act requires the Department of Commerce to establish the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The office shall:
- connect with communities that need access to high-speed internet and improved digital inclusion efforts,
- hold regional workshops to share best practices and effective strategies for promoting broadband access and adoption,
- develop targeted broadband training and presentations for various demographic communities through media,
- develop and distribute publications providing guidance to communities for expanding broadband access and adoption, and
- track construction and use of any broadband infrastructure built using federal support.
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