[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 4891]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I represent a rural district in northern 
California where many of my constituents can only access the Internet 
through dial-up or low-speed DSL. Lack of access to broadband in rural 
areas is a drag on economic growth and impacts our small businesses, 
schools, hospitals, and much more.
  Recently, the House took action to ensure the FCC cannot regulate the 
rates charged for broadband Internet access by passing H.R. 2666.
  There is no regulatory scheme the FCC can create that will magically 
solve the challenge of expanding broadband access in high-cost areas. 
Instead, likely, it will be a hindrance as it creates more barriers to 
that access.
  Expanding broadband in rural areas requires an understanding of the 
economic realities, recognizing the need for greater access, and 
removing the regulatory uncertainty.
  Adoption of H.R. 2666 will encourage investment by letting Internet 
service providers know they will not have to face the threat of Federal 
regulations on the rates they charge and continue the push for 
broadband access and investment in rural areas, which will be very 
helpful for people who have to drive a long distance for education and 
the telemedicine that is so critical in rural areas.

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