OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

By: Jim Baird
By: Jim Baird
Date: June 20, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication

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Mr. BAIRD. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my esteemed colleague's amendment to increase the funding for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program at the USDA.

In Indiana, many of our rural areas do not have access to adequate broadband coverage, putting them at a disadvantage in our global economy. In Indiana, many of our rural areas do not have the access that is necessary to be current.

Broadband is important to education and healthcare, as well as economic development and agriculture. By responsibly increasing the funding for this program, we are providing educational opportunities and improved healthcare without any additional cost to the taxpayer.

We must equip our students with our 21st century tools to further their education and ensure that all of our citizens have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their ZIP Code. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment on behalf of rural communities across the Nation.

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