Congresswoman Miller Supports Bipartisan Broadband Legislation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Media Contact: Erin O'Malley | 202.225.5271
erin.omalley@mail.house.gov

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) voted in favor of H.R. 4374, the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act, during a hearing of the House Agriculture Committee. 

The bill provides federal aid and technical assistance for rural broadband services.

"Expanding access to broadband for rural communities in Illinois has been one of my top priorities since I was sworn into Congress,” said Miller. “I voted in support of this bipartisan legislation because reliable connectivity is vital to the $19 billion farming industry in downstate Illinois, which is becoming more technologically advanced every year.”

The bipartisan vote to pass broadband legislation builds upon the 2018 Farm Bill signed by President Trump, which provided funding for rural broadband as an initiative spearheaded by former Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue.

“In keeping with my promise to hold government accountable, I will work to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is transparent and properly monitors this funding so that it reaches the communities in our district that need it most,” said Miller. 
 
The Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act authorizes $3.7 billion per year for critical rural broadband programs, including the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program, the Middle Mile Broadband Program, and the Innovative Broadband Advancement Program. It targets assistance to the most rural and least-connected residents.

Congresswoman Miller not only wants to supply funding for broadband, but she wants to provide accountability to the taxpayer by ensuring promised services are delivered to rural communities.

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