[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 102 (Friday, June 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING MONICA BABINE

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 11, 2021

  Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Monica Babine. On May 26, 2021, Monica was presented with the 2021 
Digital Equity Champion Award for her outstanding work in the field of 
digital equity. For more than 30 years, she has worked on this issue 
that is so critical to Washington's 5th Congressional District.
  Currently, Monica is the Senior Associate of the Program for Digital 
Initiatives at Washington State University's Division of Governmental 
Studies & Services. In this role, she works with business, government, 
economic, and community development organizations to increase broadband 
awareness, access, and use across the state of Washington.
  Monica has a keen understanding that access to reliable, affordable 
broadband is basic infrastructure in our 21st Century digital economy. 
Her work to help close the digital divide and expand access to 
broadband in Eastern Washington's most rural communities cannot be 
overstated.
  Monica has proven time and again to be a true leader in her field, 
creating the Broadband Action Team model and serving as a valuable 
resource for local leaders interested in broadband planning. As a 
result of her work, more people than ever are engaging to identify 
local broadband needs and make plans to address them.
  Monica's focus on rural communities has made her an incredible 
partner, and I am grateful for her efforts as we continue working 
together to address this issue in Congress. Her tireless work to bring 
together members of our Eastern Washington community, including 
policymakers at every level, is so important to help close the digital 
divide once and for all.
  Madam Speaker, for her commitment to expanding access to broadband, 
her exceptional leadership, and her ongoing work to improve the lives 
of people around her, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
Monica Babine.

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