Lujan Introduces Broadband Infrastructure Package to Bridge the Digital Divide

Statement

Today, Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), the U.S. House Assistant Speaker, announced the introduction of a broadband infrastructure package to bridge the digital divide and bolster broadband access in rural communities.

This package would provide $5 billion in federal funding for low-interest financing to support broadband infrastructure deployment, including in rural communities, and require improved mapping of communities' access to broadband. In New Mexico, less than half of rural New Mexicans have access to high-speed, fixed broadband. For tribal communities, that number is even lower. This has massive implications on New Mexico's economy, education, and opportunities.

Luján's infrastructure package builds on his efforts to make smart investments in rural and tribal broadband to expand opportunities for New Mexico families.

The package includes:

The Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (BIFIA) spurs broadband deployment of high-speed internet across the country. This legislation makes low-interest financing available to communities and public-private partnerships to help deploy broadband. Under BIFIA, public-private partnerships can apply for secured loans, lines of credit, or loan guarantees for broadband infrastructure investments. The Senate companion bill has been introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI).

The Map Improvement Act ensures that investments in broadband infrastructure are targeted to the areas that need it most -- including rural communities -- by establishing more reliable coverage maps and data that accurately depict what people are experiencing. The Senate companion bill has been introduced by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

"The digital divide has left rural and tribal communities without access to high-speed internet -- disconnected from a world of opportunity for students, families, and businesses. This broadband package will help bridge this divide. Broadband connectivity can make all the difference for education, public safety, and economic opportunities, which is why I'm fighting to get this legislation passed for New Mexico families," said Assistant Speaker Luján. "With bipartisan and bicameral support of components of this package, I'm confident that we can make real progress."

"Connecting communities to high-speed broadband provides more Michiganders the resources they need to obtain an education, receive quality health care or start and grow a new business," said Senator Peters. "This bipartisan legislation would open new financing opportunities for the public-private initiatives that are working to expand high-speed broadband access. I am proud to partner with Representative Luján on this bicameral effort to provide more Americans with access to broadband."

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