WASHINGTON, DC - The Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), announced today a hearing for Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing is entitled, “Realizing the Benefits of Rural Broadband: Challenges and Solutions."
Since examining 25 legislative proposals for supporting rural broadband deployment earlier this year, #SubCommTech has led the way in Congressional efforts to close the digital divide. A number of those proposals were included as part of RAY BAUM’S Act, which was signed into law in March, and others were approved unanimously by the subcommittee during a recent markup. Next week’s hearing will allow #SubCommTech members to receive a status update on broadband infrastructure solutions as well as the progress being made by the administration and the private sector.
“In many rural communities across the country, including in my home state, broadband access continues to lag. Bridging this gap is a top priority for me and many members of the subcommittee. I’m pleased we have already taken steps to remove federal barriers to deployment, improve spectrum availability, and provide critical funding for unserved areas. With our sights set on NTIA reauthorization, our work doesn’t stop here, but this hearing is an important opportunity to check in on the progress made so far this Congress," said Chairman Blackburn.
The Majority Memorandum, witness list and testimony, and a live webcast will be posted HERE as they’re made available.
