Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today voted for legislation to better coordinate federal resources aimed at increasing broadband access in the United States. 

“Congress must do more to support reliable broadband connectivity to rural communities,” said Larsen. “Earlier this month I visited Skagit Connection Hub which opened in March. Reliable fiber broadband internet is important for its members and remote workers, commuters and small businesses in rural communities, such as Sedro-Woolley.”

The ACCESS BROADBAND Act would establish an Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to streamline the process for small businesses and local governments to apply for federal broadband assistance and improve coordination across the federal government and the private sector.

Larsen has supported broadband expansion to help rural communities across the Second District. Last month, Larsen voted for the Save the Internet Act which would restore the Federal Communications Commission’s authority to fund broadband access for rural communities, veterans, seniors, students and disabled Americans.

Earlier this year, Larsen voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2019 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and related agencies appropriations bill which included $690 million for the Rural Telecommunications program. This program brings reliable broadband connectivity to rural communities across the Second District.

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