House Commerce Democrats Offer 5 Measures Aimed at Expanding Broadband's Reach
House Commerce Committee Democrats introduced five broadband-focused bills Thursday, with one already sparking praise from the Competitive Carriers Association. “These bills from Democratic members of our committee will provide a better chance for those who need [broadband] most,” said Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., in a statement. He laid out his vision for the year’s agenda in January. Committee Democrats unveiled a mix of cybersecurity-focused measures earlier this month (see 1703020035).
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The Competitive Carriers Association cited the Rural Wireless Act, from Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa. The legislation would target the FCC and focus on improved data collection and, “coupled with the FCC’s plan to develop an effective and efficient challenge process as a part of the Mobility Fund II program to revise and improve data coverage, is a clear indication that change needs to happen,” said CCA President Steve Berry. “All Americans will benefit from a more consistent and robust data collection process.”
“We can’t invest in wireless access without accurately understanding the problem,” Loebsack said in a statement. “This legislation would make sure that the FCC is using the best data to improve wireless coverage throughout rural America."
The five bills come ahead of a Tuesday House Communications Subcommittee hearing on broadband infrastructure, expected to feature draft legislation from Chairman Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. (see 1703140053). “We’re looking forward to reviewing the bills working with our colleagues moving forward,” a GOP committee aide told us of the Democratic proposals.
Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., introduced the 21st Century Worker Opportunity Act, aimed at creating a credit for automation-displaced workers to get access to broadband. The bill “will help ensure that Americans have access to distance learning and online education to get the skills they need to get ahead,” Dingell said. Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Calif., offered the Innovation Corps Act to “provide opportunities for the next generation to serve, while giving workers the skills they need to compete for the jobs of tomorrow and share in the economic benefits of new technology,” Matsui said. Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., introduced the WiFi Capable Mobile Devices Act to target what has become known as the “homework gap” by letting low-income students use tethering to access the internet connection of their parents. “This ‘homework gap’ is a huge problem for students in Vermont and across America,” Welch said. Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., supplied the Tribal Digital Access Act to focus on expanding broadband to tribal lands. “My commonsense bill helps bridge the gap in Indian Country by making deployment of broadband and telecommunications services on tribal lands a core principle for the [FCC’s] Universal Service Programs,” Ruiz said. “Tribes deserve equal access to communications that will help students learn, increase educational achievement, and stimulate economic development.”
Commissioner Mignon Clyburn tweeted in support of the bills Thursday, saying the legislation would spur opportunity.