Dr. Joyce Encourages Rural Broadband Deployment

Washington, DC ? During today's Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on infrastructure policy entitled "LIFT America: Revitalizing our Nation's Infrastructure and Economy," Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) advocated for stronger and more reliable access to broadband in rural communities.

"As the Energy and Commerce Committee considers the Democrats' radical infrastructure legislation, I am extremely concerned about the ramifications of this proposal for rural communities in southcentral and southwestern Pennsylvania and around the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have increasingly turned to the internet for work, school, telehealth, and recreation. Right now, Congress should be focused on narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural regions not making it worse," said Dr. Joyce. "By implementing new regulations on broadband deployment, this legislation would discourage innovation and hinder efforts to expand access to high speed internet in rural communities. Connectivity is key for success, and our nation cannot afford to let rural communities fall further behind."

At the hearing, Dr. Joyce outlined key issues with new broadband regulations proposed in the Democrats' infrastructure package, the so-called "LIFT America Act." During his conversation with Dr. Joyce, former Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Michael O'Rielly called the broadband provisions a "recipe for disaster."