Congressman Higgins Did Not Vote For The E-BRIDGE Act Threatens Rural Communities’ Prosperity and Well-being

The E-BRIDGE Act, HR 1752, attempts to remove barriers that prevent rural towns from receiving funding for internet development. By extending award eligibility, it aims to improve internet infrastructure in rural areas and may even lead to a national expansion of broadband connectivity.

The E-BRIDGE Act (HR 1752) is beneficial to citizens, especially those living in rural areas, in several ways:

1. Improved Internet Access: By enhancing grant eligibility, the bill aims to facilitate the development and expansion of broadband infrastructure in rural communities. This means more citizens will have access to reliable high-speed internet, which is crucial for education, healthcare, business, and overall quality of life.
2. Economic Opportunities: Better internet access can stimulate economic growth in rural areas by attracting businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and enabling remote work opportunities. This can lead to job creation and increased economic stability for residents.
3. Education and Healthcare: Reliable internet allows for improved access to online education resources and telehealth services, which are increasingly important, especially in remote areas where access to traditional services may be limited.
4. Quality of Life: Broadband access improves communication, entertainment options, and access to government services online. It reduces isolation and improves overall connectivity with the rest of the country and the world.
5. Digital Equity: The bill helps bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas, ensuring that all citizens have equitable access to the resources and opportunities that come with reliable internet access.

All things considered, the E-BRIDGE Act benefits the public by filling in infrastructure deficiencies, stimulating economic growth, improving access to healthcare and education, and encouraging digital inclusion throughout rural America.

Congressman Higgins voting against the E-BRIDGE Act (HR 1752) could harm the community, especially in rural areas, in several significant ways:

1. Continued Lack of Broadband Access: Rural communities often struggle with inadequate or nonexistent broadband infrastructure. Voting against the E-BRIDGE Act means fewer resources and funding opportunities to improve internet access in these areas. This perpetuates the digital divide, leaving rural residents at a disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts, who have better access to online education, telehealth services, job opportunities, and government services.
2. Economic Stagnation: Limited internet access hinders economic growth in rural communities. Businesses may be deterred from investing or expanding in areas where reliable high-speed internet is unavailable. This limits job creation, entrepreneurship opportunities, and economic diversification, ultimately contributing to stagnation and declining local economies.
3. Impact on Education: Broadband access is crucial for students in rural schools who rely on online resources, digital learning platforms, and access to educational materials. Without adequate internet infrastructure, students may face barriers to completing assignments, accessing educational resources, and participating in distance learning programs, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. Healthcare Disparities: Telehealth services have become increasingly essential, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited. Voting against the E-BRIDGE Act reduces opportunities to expand telemedicine services, leaving rural residents with fewer options for accessing medical consultations, specialist care, and mental health services remotely.
5. Quality of Life Issues: Reliable internet access enhances overall quality of life by improving communication, enabling access to entertainment and cultural resources, and facilitating civic engagement through online platforms. Without sufficient broadband infrastructure, rural residents may feel isolated and disconnected from broader societal developments.
6. Missed Opportunities for Development: Federal grants provided under the E-BRIDGE Act would have stimulated infrastructure development projects in rural communities, creating jobs in construction, telecommunications, and related industries. Voting against the bill denies these communities the chance to improve their infrastructure and create local employment opportunities.

Congressman Higgins did not vote for the  E-BRIDGE Act. This will exacerbate existing disparities between rural and urban areas, limiting economic opportunities, hindering educational and healthcare advancements, and reducing the overall quality of life for residents in rural communities.