Broadband

Broadband is basic infrastructure in today’s 21st Century economy, but for too many people in Eastern Washington, it’s still not a reality. One of the main challenges we face is having accurate data about the areas that have access and where we need to improve. Accurate access maps are the first step towards improving connectivity in our communities.

In June 2019, I introduced the Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 to revamp the broadband mapping process so that federal agencies and private industry could target improvements to the areas that need it most. In March 2020, important provisions from this legislation were signed into law by President Trump as part of the Broadband DATA Act. 

As Lead Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am taking steps to build on this progress by working on solutions designed to target resources to rural and truly unserved communities, remove regulatory barriers to deployment, streamline permitting processes, and unleash private investment to finally close the digital divide once and for all.