The U.S. Senate has passed the bipartisan Rural Broadband Protection Act, a significant step toward enhancing broadband access in underserved rural areas.

The bill, co-led by Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, mandates the Federal Communications Commission to implement a thorough vetting process for providers seeking federal funding to ensure they can deliver reliable broadband services.

“We should be able to bring high-speed internet to every family in Minnesota—regardless of their zip code,” Klobuchar said. “This bipartisan legislation will help Americans connect to work, school, health care, and business opportunities by ensuring the companies that apply for federal funding to build out broadband infrastructure can get the job done.”

Capito emphasized the importance of the legislation for West Virginians, noting that it expands on her previous efforts to improve broadband connectivity. “The Senate passage of this legislation is another positive step in connecting every last home, school, and business in West Virginia,” Capito said.

Klobuchar has been a longtime advocate for bridging the digital divide and supports efforts to strengthen the Universal Service Fund, which aids broadband access in rural communities. Her past initiatives include the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act and efforts to ensure proper implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s broadband provisions.

Source: KIMT.com / Mike Bunge