WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives David B. McKinley P.E. (R-W.Va.) introduced the Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications (Facilitating DIGITAL Applications) Act that would make it easier to develop and permit broadband infrastructure on federal property by facilitating online applications.
“Across the country many rural communities lack high-quality broadband internet service. Access to high speed internet is essential in the 21st Century, particularly as homes are turned into offices and classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. McKinley. “This bill helps streamline the application process, essentially speeding up the deployment of broadband infrastructure. As we work to close the digital divide in West Virginia and across the country, this is positive step in the right direction.”
“More than 21 million Americans could not access broadband before COVID-19, and the pandemic has made even more clear how vital these services are as Americans work, learn, and receive health care from home. I appreciate Rep. McKinley’s leadership in introducing the Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act. Republicans are leading the way to close the digital divide for all Americans,” Walden said.