Stansbury introduces act to expand high-speed internet access to rural, tribal communities

U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury introduced the Community Connect Grant Program Act Nov. 21, which would prioritize expanding high-speed internet access to underserved rural and tribal communities.

The legislation authorizes a crucial U.S. Department of Agriculture program to help prioritize broadband access to underserved rural and tribal communities.

This bill, previously introduced by Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) in May, would make improvements to the grant program, making investments available for broadband projects in tribal, low-income and remote rural areas.

“Far too many New Mexicans lack access to high-speed internet,” Stansbury said. “Not having reliable internet access impedes rural and tribal communities from accessing health care, economic and education opportunities. I’m proud to join forces with Senator Tina Smith to help realize our ultimate goal of connecting all of America. I won’t stop fighting until all New Mexicans, regardless of zip code, are given the resources they need to thrive.”

Currently, 8.3 million Americans do not have access to high-speed internet, 19 million of which live in rural areas. As access to high-speed internet becomes paramount in modern connection; communities without it are left out of the economic, social and health opportunities of the modern age. By targeting the areas without service due to economic or access barriers, this legislation would increase accessibility to the areas that are most in need, according to a release on the act.

“We appreciate Rep. Melanie Stansbury’s efforts to update the United States Department of Agriculture’s Community Connect Grant program. We are proud to support the Community Connect Grant Program Act of 2023, which would update the program’s requirements and standards to better meet the modern needs of consumers and improve coordination to ensure resources are going to areas most in need,” said Shirley Bloomfield, CEO of The Rural Broadband Association. “The bill will strengthen a valuable program for rural areas and further the shared goal of getting every American connected.”

This bill is part of a larger package of bills to help rural New Mexicans thrive, including legislation to target mental health, increase tele-health accessibility, improve education, workforce and economic development.