Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) received a letter earlier this month from Dept. of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in response to Congressman Wittman’s June letter to President Trump requesting the prioritization of direct funding support for rural broadband development in the President’s upcoming infrastructure proposal.

“As our nation deals with the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are doing their utmost to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus by utilizing telework, distance learning, and telehealth capabilities,” Congressman Wittman said. “The new normal has left millions of rural Americans, who have inadequate or no connectivity to high-speed broadband, to feel abandoned as they are in desperate need of relief to compete in the digital economy.”

“The President has asked that I respond on his behalf,” Secretary Ross wrote in his response. “I share your perspective about the importance of broadband connectivity to all Americans, including those living in rural areas as well as students and low-income families, during this challenging time in our Nation’s history. The Department of Commerce (Department) is committed to supporting and advancing the Trump Administration’s broadband priorities, and that includes support for rural broadband deployment.”

In his letter, Secretary Ross detailed the Administration’s efforts to bring improved broadband services and access to more Americans. As part the Commerce Department’s shared leadership of the Administration’s American Broadband Initiative, the Department released a Progress Report on June 25 detailing steps that Federal agencies have taken to make funding available for broadband deployment across the country. The report also describes coordination activities related to Federal broadband programs with other Federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) also has been involved in discussions with state, regional, and local government officials and industry representatives who are keenly aware of the vital role that broadband plays in supporting American families, businesses, and overall health and public safety. 

This response is just the latest in a series of work Congressman Wittman has undertaken to close the digital divide for Virginians and people across the nation. In March, Congressman Wittman introduced the Serving Rural America Act (HR 6456), legislation to create a five-year pilot program at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), authorizing $100 million a year for a total of $500 million over five years to expand broadband service to unserved Americans. Congressman Wittman has also hosted two virtual Fireside Chats with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr alongside local government leaders, tribal leaders, and key Virginia broadband stakeholders to discuss the FCC’s work on rural broadband buildout, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), telehealth, and what the FCC is doing to help communities during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Click here to read Congressman Wittman’s June letter to President Trump

Click here to read Secretary Ross’ response letter to Congressman Wittman

This news follows Congressman Wittman’s announcement earlier today that he has authored five letters to the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s Office of Broadband in support of ten VA-01 counties’ FY 2021 Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) grant applications to expand reliable high-speed broadband service to rural Virginia. The Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) extends broadband service to currently unserved areas. VATI prepares communities to build, utilize, and capitalize on telecommunications infrastructure with the goal of creating strong, competitive communities. Click here for more on this earlier announcement.

Congressman Wittman will also be hosting a broadband-specific telephone town hall Wednesday, September 30, at 6:20p with special guest Evan Feinman, Governor Northam’s Chief Broadband Advisor, to answer questions on broadband service, access, and more. To participate in the telephone town hall, dial 877-229-8493 and enter passcode: 13327. Note, the the line for the call will not be open until 6:15 pm. To signup, click here.

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the 1st District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee.