Next Century Cities Urges Hill to Pass Broadband Investment Legislation

Next Century Cities urged Capitol Hill leaders Thursday to “acknowledge that digital infrastructure is essential and invest in the requisite broadband expansion, adoption programs, and network sustainability strategies that give Americans access to widespread digital opportunities.” The group cited “profound disruptions” from COVID-19, “reveal[ing] the societal cost of when millions of Americans cannot afford or do not have access to broadband.” It wrote Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the ranking minority party leaders. The House passed the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act last month. HR-6800 includes an $8.8 billion Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund and $5 billion for E-rate (see 2005130059).