New Dems Encouraged by National Broadband Plan
High-speed Internet is Vital for Competitive Businesses and 21st Century Workforce
Today, leaders of the New Democrat Coalition, led by Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-7) and the New Dem Innovation and Competitiveness Task Force Co-Chairs Congressman Ron Kind (WI-3) and Congressman Rush Holt (NJ-12), released the following statement upon the release of the Federal Communications Commission's National Broadband Plan:
"Last year, the New Democrats called for investments in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to increase access to high-speed Internet. The Federal Communications Commission's release of the National Broadband Plan today is a welcome response to our call for action and we applaud the FCC for establishing a plan to make high-speed broadband Internet accessible to more American families and businesses.
"New Dems believe that America's innovative potential remains the foundation of its future prosperity. Every day, more and more Americans rely on the Internet for conducting business, accessing information and basic communication. It is vital that we create a hi-tech foundation that fosters economic growth and innovation. Expanding the reaches of high-speed Internet will help American businesses compete in the global marketplace and prepare our 21st century workforce for the jobs of the future. The plan released by the FCC is the first step towards achieving nation-wide broadband Internet accessibility and we look forward to continuing our work with the Administration, House Leadership and the FCC to accomplish this important goal."
The National Broadband Plan released today by the Federal Communications Commission was a key New Dem priority in the Recovery Act. (Click here to view the New Dem letter on the Recovery Act).
Leaders in innovation and technology, the New Dems have called for expanding broadband access and other policies that foster strong, globally competitive businesses, through a Task Force on Innovation and Competitiveness. (Click here to view the New Dem Task Force on Innovation and Competitiveness priorities).
Last Congress, the New Dems joined House Leadership to announce the Innovation Agenda, which included expanding access to broadband internet. (Click here for additional information about the Innovation Agenda).
Statement supported by New Democrat Innovation and Competitiveness Task Force Co-Chairs Representative Ron Kind (WI-03) and Rush Holt (NJ-12); along with the New Dem Leadership Members, led by Chair Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-07), and Vice-Chairs Representative Melissa Bean (IL-08), Representative Ron Kind (WI-03), Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), and Representative Adam Smith (WA-09).
The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 69 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at https://ndc.crowley.house.gov.
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