Historic package includes the largest investment our country has ever made in broadband infrastructure based on Klobuchar legislation with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that the bipartisan infrastructure package passed by the Senate includes several of her key legislative priorities, including more than $65 billion for broadband infrastructure based on her legislation with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn to bring high-speed internet to every family in America.
“With this bipartisan infrastructure package, we are making a historic investment in our country’s future. In addition to devoting federal resources to improve roads, highways, bridges, and public transit, this bill also includes major funding for broadband infrastructure based on my legislation with Rep. Clyburn to bring high-speed internet to every family in America. As tens of millions of Americans, including in rural areas, go without broadband every single day, the passage of this bill could not have been more urgent,” said Klobuchar.
“It also moves several of my other key legislative priorities forward, including provisions from my legislation to combat distracted driving, help nonprofits and places of worship save money on energy efficiency upgrades, support the Department of Transportation (DOT) as it works to crack down on human trafficking, and provide our veterans with a seat at the table as the DOT develops a strategy for modernizing the transportation workforce. Our 21st century economy demands 21st century infrastructure, and by passing this legislation, we are one step closer to putting a bill on the President’s desk that will help make that a reality.”
This legislation advances many of Klobuchar’s priorities, including provisions from her legislation to:
- Build high-speed broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved communities to close the digital divide and ensure Americans have internet connectivity to learn and work from home, access telehealth services, and stay connected to loved ones;
- Create a grant program to help nonprofits—including places of worship, faith-based organizations, and youth centers—afford the materials needed to improve their buildings’ energy efficiency and generate renewable energy;
- Ensure states are able to access critical funding to enforce distracted driving laws and educate drivers to keep our roadways safe;
- Establish the position of Chief Travel and Tourism Officer at the DOT;
- Help the DOT crack down on human trafficking; and
- Provide veterans with opportunities as the DOT develops a strategy for modernizing the transportation workforce.
# # #