Thank you, Beth, for that introduction, and thanks to the American Connection Project for hosting us today and for your ongoing work to close the digital divide.

We all know that fast and reliable internet access is vital for everyday life. That’s become even more apparent over the last two years.

We rely on internet access to connect with family, work remotely, attend classes, and schedule telehealth appointments.

Unfortunately, that access isn’t always equal or affordable.

More than 30 million Americans still do not have reliable broadband. That includes more than more than 30% of rural households.

Gaps in access mean gaps in opportunity. America’s diversity is a competitive advantage – but only if we give everyone an opportunity to fulfill their potential and fully participate.

This is why President Biden set an ambitious goal when he entered office: connecting every American through affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband.

The Commerce Department has taken an important first step in achieving that goal by providing more than $277 million in broadband infrastructure grants, which will be used to connect more than 133,000 unserved households, especially those in rural areas.

As critical as this funding is, these grants represent a mere down payment on the work we’re doing thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We’re thrilled that the new law includes nearly $50 billion in funding for the Commerce Department to achieve the goal of universal broadband.

With these resources, we’ll bring broadband infrastructure to every corner of our country, make service affordable for everyone, and ensure users have the devices and digital skills they need to succeed.

Every single state will receive at least $100 million for broadband expansion and affordability.

We’ll create thousands of high-paying jobs as we build out the networks.

And we’ll improve the quality of life and economic potential of all Americans.

I also want to reiterate that the solution to the digital divide is about much more than infrastructure.

That’s why the law includes nearly $3 billion in funding for the Digital Equity Act. Some that funding will used to promote digital inclusion and equity for communities that don’t have what they need to take advantage of broadband connections.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law also funded the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides $30 per month to help ensure that low-income households can afford broadband. 

The Biden Administration recently announced that more than 10 million households are enrolled in the ACP. But there are many more households that are eligible but haven’t signed up.  Let us all commit to doing more to help spread the word for the ACP.

We are excited to continue working with the American Connection Project to ensure that rural and underserved communities can access the broadband they need and deserve to participate in our modern economy.

Thank you for the work you’ve been doing, and for being partners in this effort.

If we work hard and work together, we will connect every unserved household in the country and close the digital divide for good.