[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[October 16, 2000]
[Page 2208]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2208]]


Statement on Efforts To Bridge the Digital Divide
October 16, 2000

    I am pleased by a new report released today by the Commerce 
Department, documenting a sharp increase in the number of Americans that 
have access to computers and the Internet. Although much more remains to 
be done to bridge the digital divide and create digital opportunity for 
all Americans, I am especially pleased that many low-income, rural, and 
minority households are beginning to ``get connected'' at rates faster 
than the national average.
    Access to these information age tools is becoming critical to full 
participation in America's economic, political, and social life. 
Americans are using the Internet to vote, look for work, acquire new 
skills, and communicate with their children's teachers. To ensure that 
we continue to make progress in bridging the digital divide, I urge 
Congress to fund the initiatives that I have proposed in my budget. 
These include my proposals to fully fund community technology centers, 
preparing tomorrow's teachers to use technology, assistive technology 
for people with disabilities, and the Commerce Department's home 
Internet access and technology opportunity program.

Note: The statement referred to the Department of Commerce report 
entitled ``Falling Through the Net: Toward Digital Inclusion.''