Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Washington state tribal leaders to discuss barriers to broadband access on tribal land.
DelBene serves on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. Last year, she requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study and report on the status of Internet and telecommunications services on tribal reservations. The report is expected in January.
"In this Internet age, broadband plays a significant role in our ability to communicate, to do business and the education of our children. But too many communities, especially in remote or rural parts of the country, do not have reliable broadband access," DelBene said. "Federal resources are available to help improve broadband access, but research suggests that tribes across the country might not be getting the full benefit. I am eager to see the results of the GAO's report, and am glad I was able to hear from tribes in the First District and across Washington about what we can do to improve broadband access."