Silver State Times

WASHINGTON – On June 1, 2023, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) and Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9) introduced the bipartisan Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act, which will ensure that states like Nevada receive their fair share of federal broadband funding. 

Nevada lags behind much of the nation in access to high-speed internet. Many areas in the state continue to be either underserved or wholly unserved by broadband services. Last year, Congresswoman Lee helped pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to invest federal dollars in broadband services right here in Nevada. However, that federal funding is set to be allocated based on the National Broadband Map, which currently undervalues need in states like Nevada. Although recent updates to the map present a more accurate depiction of broadband access in the state than in the past, states still need additional time to file challenges to the map before key funding is allocated later this month.  

The Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act gives states more time – 210 total days – to file challenges to the map, which would ensure that the funding each state receives is based on its true need. 

“Last Congress, I helped pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This Congress, I’m making sure that Nevada gets its fair share of its broadband funding,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03). “I’m proud to join Rep. Meuser in introducing legislation that will help states like Nevada secure our share of federal dollars for the communities that need access to high-speed internet the most.” 

“In the 21st century, access to reliable high-speed internet should be the rule and not the exception,” Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-9). “Unfortunately, far too many Pennsylvanians and others living in rural communities across the country lack sufficient access to broadband, which is unacceptable. And while Congress has made strides to expand coverage, the National Broadband Map, which is used to allocate federal dollars to address the issue, is severely flawed. Rural communities, like those in my District, are significantly underrepresented on the current map, meaning they will miss out on vital funding. This bill will help ensure the FCC has time to correct the flawed map before federal funds are fully dispersed. I thank Congresswoman Lee for joining me in my efforts to make certain all communities that currently lack access to broadband are appropriately represented on the map to ensure they receive fair federal funding.” 

Representing the Third Congressional District of Nevada, Congresswoman Lee has been laser-focused on delivering federal broadband investments to the Silver State. Congresswoman Lee has been named one of the most bipartisan Members in the U.S. House and the most bipartisan Member from Nevada, all while serving as Vice-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus. 

Original source can be found here.