Klobuchar Highlights Urgent Need for High-Speed Internet to Connect Low-Income Families and Students

Strategic Insights -

At a recent Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Senator Amy Klobuchar emphasized the importance of connecting all Americans, particularly low-income families and students, to high-speed internet during the pandemic. Klobuchar introduced two bills to address the issue: the Keeping Critical Connections Act, which would establish a temporary fund at the FCC to help small broadband providers continue to provide internet services, and the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, which would ensure that college and university students with financial need can access high-speed internet.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Klobuchar introduced the Keeping Critical Connections Act, which would establish a temporary fund at the FCC to help small broadband providers continue to provide internet services.
  • The bill has 32 cosponsors, including nine on the Senate Commerce Committee.
  • The Keeping Critical Connections Act would appropriate $2 billion to help small broadband providers sustain internet services and upgrades for students and low-income families.
  • Klobuchar also introduced the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, which would ensure that college and university students with financial need can access high-speed internet.
  • The bill would appropriate $1 billion to establish an Emergency Higher Education Connectivity fund at the National Telecommunications Information Administration.
  • Commissioner Geoffrey Starks expressed strong support for the Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act, stating that it would be extremely helpful legislation.
  • Starks also mentioned the need for increased enrollment in the FCC's Lifeline program, which helps low-income people obtain broadband and telephone services.

Statistics:

  • 30 million Americans are eligible for the Lifeline program, but only 7.5 million are currently enrolled.
  • The Keeping Critical Connections Act would appropriate $2 billion to help small broadband providers sustain internet services and upgrades for students and low-income families.
  • The Supporting Connectivity for Higher Education Students in Need Act would require the National Telecommunications Information Administration to establish an Emergency Higher Education Connectivity fund.
  • 32 cosponsors have signed on to support the Keeping Critical Connections Act, including nine members of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Sources:

  • Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) (www.klobuchar.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/klobuchar-highlights-urgent-need-for-high-speed-internet-to-connect-low-income-families-and-students)
  • Senate Commerce Committee Hearing Transcript (www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?pocket_transcript&hearings&set55-e19d7)
  • Senate Broadband Caucus (www.broadband-caucus.senate.gov)