This week, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) joined Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) to introduce the bipartisan Home Internet Accessibility Act. Additional original cosponsors include Reps. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), and Al Green (TX-09).
People rely on high-speed Internet for work, learning, and connecting with the community. The Home Internet Accessibility Act will gather information on all federally assisted housing that lacks the capacity to support broadband service and will task the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with producing an action plan, including retrofitting, to close Internet service gaps across our country.
Congresswoman Nikema Williams, member of the Financial Services Committee and Vice Chair of the Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee said:
"Over the last few years, we've seen how vital high-speed broadband is for our daily lives. But too many coverage gaps exist, hurting marginalized communities. I recently hosted a broadband roundtable and my constituents were loud and clear: it's too tough simply getting their homes connected. Congress must close the digital divide but first we must know where connectivity gaps exist. The Home Internet Accessibility Act is an important step to ensure every home is connected to broadband and everyone can unlock the opportunity at our fingertips--no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account."