Washington, DC – On April 25, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and U.S. Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN-04) introduced a resolution emphasizing the need to invest in broadband expansion.
“High-speed broadband is critical for rural America’s growth and prosperity, yet many of our neighbors are unable to obtain reliable Internet access. I remain committed to improving internet speeds for schools, homes, doctors’ offices, and businesses, which will bring new economic development opportunities to our communities, especially in South Texas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I thank my colleague, Congressman Baird, for working with me across party lines to close the digital divide between urban and rural America. The Rural Broadband Resolution will enable rural communities to fully participate in the modern economy.”
“As Congress continues to make legislative decisions and prepare for the 2023 Farm Bill, we must ensure that rural America does not get left behind by securing reliable broadband access for the millions of Americans who rely on the Internet to work and learn,” said Congressman Baird. “Zip codes should not determine access to high-speed Internet, yet that is the unfortunate reality for many Hoosiers across Indiana’s 4th Congressional District, and I’m committed to reaching across the aisle so we bridge this digital divide in education, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.”
Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Texas will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 1,058,000 Texans who currently lack it. Experts estimate that as many as 3,927,000 households in Texas are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which cuts internet bills by up to $30 per month and provides a one-time $100 discount off a connected device. Households can check their eligibility, sign up, and find fully covered internet plans at GetInternet.gov.
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