Bustos Appointed to House Task Force on Rural Broadband

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the House Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, was appointed to the House Task Force on Rural Broadband. The Task Force, which is led by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn (SC-06), consists of 27 House Democrats and seeks to advance solutions to ensure all Americans have access to high-speed internet by 2025.

"Nearly half of Illinoisans lack options in the broadband marketplace and without access to reliable and affordable high-speed broadband, rural communities are being left behind economically," said Congresswoman Bustos. "Families across our region have shared stories with me that underscore the desperate need to connect our communities -- like the parent of a young student who has to complete homework and study in the school parking lot in the evening.

"High-speed internet is essential. I'm proud to join the Task Force and look forward to working with my colleagues to put forward real solutions to overhaul our system."

"It is my pleasure to welcome Congresswoman Cheri Bustos to the House Rural Broadband Task Force," said Whip Clyburn. "We look forward to having her exceptional policy experience and her deep understanding of the needs of Illinois as we work to make high-speed internet service both accessible and affordable for every American."

During the 117th Congress, the House Rural Broadband Task Force will continue its efforts to permanently close the digital divide through legislative initiatives, including the reintroduction of the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, as well as by engaging in meaningful partnerships with communities and stakeholders.

In the 116th Congress, the House Rural Broadband Task Force introduced H.R. 7302, the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, which passed the House of Representatives last summer as a part of H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act. Certain proposals included in the Task Force's bill were incorporated into the enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which was signed into law in December. The enacted provisions included the establishment of a new Emergency Broadband Benefit, which will provide a $50 monthly discount to help millions of students, families, and unemployed workers afford the internet service they need during the pandemic.

Additional members of the House Rural Broadband Task Force include Representatives James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Cindy Axne (IA-03), Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-At Large), G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Antonio Delgado (NY-19), Jared Golden (ME-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ron Kind (WI-03), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02), Annie Kuster (NH-02), Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Donald McEachin (VA-04), Grace Meng (NY-06), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), David Trone (MD-06), Lauren Underwood (IL-14), and Peter Welch (VT-At Large).

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