Broadband
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay 

November 28, 2020 - Last week, the Washington Post reported that President-elect Joe Biden and top congressional Democrats are currently laying the groundwork for a significant investment federal broadband spending in the new Congress.

Democrats are “hoping they can secure billions of dollars in new government aid to improve Internet access and affordability….many Democrats say they are bullish about their prospects, believing they can shepherd a series of record-breaking investments at a time when the resurgent coronavirus is forcing Americans to work and learn from home again.”

The most likely opportunity to do so would come in the next coronavirus relief package currently being negotiated.

President-elect Biden has previously endorsed the House passed HEROES Act — which includes significant broadband investment — and on Tuesday President-elect Biden reaffirmed his commitment to universal broadband as part of a broader preview of his economic-recovery agenda.

Representative James E. Clyburn (D-South Carolina), a Biden ally who played a significant role in the broadband task force this passed Congress, stated that he “absolutely” expected the president-elect to move aggressively on the issue within his first 100 days in office.

He acknowledged this week that lawmakers “still expect to get some opposition from Republicans” on additional spending, but he expressed optimism that the inequalities brought to light by the worsening coronavirus pandemic might spur Congress to act.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California