Rep. Bob Latta | Facebook
Rep. Bob Latta | Facebook
Republican Subcommittee Leader for Communications and Technology Bob Latta (R-OH) urged Democrats to work with him on Internet accessibility during the pandemic.
Latta emphasized the vital need for every American to have broadband connectivity to access health care professionals and educate children during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the importance of reliable Internet access as so much of our daily lives has moved online,” he said during a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing.
He also said that Internet access problems have existed long before the pandemic.
“From telehealth to education, closing the digital divide for all Americans has never been more critical,” he continued. “But even before the pandemic changed the way we live, work, and learn, Americans – especially those who live in rural communities – were being left behind because of their lack of access to the Internet.”
Earlier, the Republicans had introduced the Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda which is a package of more than 20 bills that are focused on bringing Americans more reliable Internet access, including closing the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
“We urge Committee Democrats to join us in solving these important issues in a bipartisan fashion,” Latta said.
“We agree and worked with you all to provide $3.2 billion at the end of last year to increase broadband access for those Americans,” he added.
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