Washington, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) urged Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Subcommittee Chairman Mike Doyle (D-PA) to hold a hearing on bridging the digital divide in a letter sent today.
“We write to urge you to hold a hearing to examine ways to close the digital divide so that all Americans may experience the economic, educational, and health care benefits that access to broadband service provides. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for connectivity, as millions of Americans transition to working remotely. Children need broadband to be able to do their schoolwork from home. Some Americans who do not have access to reliable broadband connections travel to the nearest parking lot to be able to connect to the Internet. It is our duty to examine these issues and work in a bipartisan manner to close the digital divide," the Committee leaders wrote.
