FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 16, 2018
Contact: Ron Boehmer 202-225-2906

Pocan Calls on Trump to Make an Investment in Rural Broadband

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) wrote to President Trump last week, calling for an increase in funding for rural broadband programs. The letter comes as President Trump signed an executive order instructing the U.S. Secretary of the Interior “to use all viable tools to accelerate the deployment and adoption of affordable, reliable, modern high-speed broadband connectivity in rural America.” U.S. Representative Jared Polis (CO-02) joined Pocan in sending the letter.

“Regulatory changes alone will do little to address the extreme connectivity gap that currently exists in rural America, and must be done without compromising environmental standards on our precious federal lands,” wrote the Members. “According to some estimates, over $80 billion will be required to reach areas in the United States without service. Your Administration should lead on this effort by requesting full financial backing of rural broadband.”

“Regardless of political party or zip code, all Americans deserve equal access to the great potential of the internet,” continued the Members. “Investments in expanding connectivity will pay dividends in economic growth, in addition to linking people to communication, education, medicine, entertainment and much more.”

Pocan and Polis also called for the Trump Administration to include an increase in broadband funding as part of any proposed infrastructure package, as well as any farm bill reauthorization proposals.

The full letter is available here.

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