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Arizona Congressman Joins Task Force on Rural Broadband

Editor’s Note: May 13-20 is the 7th annual Infrastructure Week. America’s future will be shaped by the infrastructure choices we make today and that includes expanding broadband access. So let’s #BuildForTomorrow. To learn more about this week, click here.

The following press release was issued by O'Halleran's office on May 13, 2019
Click here to see the original release.

WASHINGTON— Today, at the start of Infrastructure Week, Congressman Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01) announced his membership on a new House Task Force on Rural Broadband. The task force, chaired by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06), will focus on deploying and implementing high-speed internet access to all Americans by 2025.

“Investing in rural high-speed internet infrastructure will unlock economic and educational opportunities for rural and tribal communities that have often gone underserved,” said O’Halleran. “Access to 21st century technology is essential for students, job-seekers, health care providers, and small businesses. In our increasingly connected world, it is more important than ever to ensure our rural America is not left behind.”

According to federal data, nearly 25 million Americans living in rural areas do not have access to high-speed internet. The Task Force on Rural Broadband will work with local stakeholders, rural advocates, market participants, local governments, and Administration officials to identify strategies to expand rural broadband access and ensure these strategies receive the appropriate funding.

“There is broad agreement across both political parties that we need to invest in our physical and technological infrastructure to remain competitive in global markets. There is no better time to advocate for legislation that prioritizes rural broadband infrastructure,” continued O’Halleran. “This has been a priority of mine in Congress, and I am pleased to continue my work with members of this task force.”

O’Halleran is a cosponsor of the ACCESS BROADBAND Act, legislation to expand broadband access in rural areas and streamline the process for small businesses and local stakeholders to access available federal broadband resources.