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Read. Follow. Verify.Congressional Hearing on Broadband Access and Affordability
Record date · January 1, 2023
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What This Bill Does
The House on Communications and Technology held a virtual hearing on May 6, 2021, to discuss strategies for addressing disparities in internet access and affordability across the United States. Lawmakers and expert witnesses examined policy options to expand high-speed internet availability and ensure it remains affordable for all residents.
This hearing serves as a foundational step for potential federal legislation aimed at expanding infrastructure and lowering costs for households, which directly impacts the availability and price of internet services for residents nationwide.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Internet Service Providers
Policy changes discussed in this hearing could alter regulatory requirements and funding structures for companies providing broadband services.
Households without high-speed internet
Legislative outcomes from this hearing may influence the availability and cost of internet services in their communities.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on May 6, 2021, as a virtual session.
- The session was titled 'Broadband Equity: Addressing Disparities in Access and Affordability'.
- The hearing was conducted by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Four expert witnesses provided testimony regarding broadband policy.
Show all 6 facts
- The hearing record includes submitted answers to questions from the witnesses.
- The hearing is documented as Serial No. 117-29 of the 117th Congress.
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Equity
The hearing title explicitly shifts the focus from general infrastructure to 'equity' and 'disparities,' signaling a policy priority on underserved populations.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance65How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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