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Representative Angie Craig Thanks Acting FCC Chairwoman for Implementing Her Recently Introduced Legislation to Establish a Broadband Mapping Task Force

February 18, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, in a House Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing hosted by the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, U.S. Representative Angie Craig expressed gratitude to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for establishing an intra-agency task force dedicated to implementing long-overdue improvements to the agency's broadband data and mapping tools.

Just this week, Representative Craig introduced the Broadband MAPS Act, which would mandate the establishment of such a task force to better determine which areas in the U.S. lack sufficient broadband access. The FCC's new task force will help to accomplish Craig's goal of ensuring that investments made by the federal government are informed by data collection and analysis as required by federal law.

"Even with the funding Congress provided, it is going to be – we all know – a herculean task for the FCC to coordinate the numerous efforts throughout the FCC and the federal government to improve broadband mapping," said Representative Craig. "That's why, earlier this week, I introduced The Broadband Measuring Availability and Aligning Policies Task Force Act (Broadband MAPS Act)."

"Just this morning, the Acting Chairwoman announced she will be implementing my bill administratively. I thank the Acting Chairwoman for her partnership," Craig concluded.

Last year, Congress passed a bipartisan bill – the Broadband DATA Act – to ensure that the FCC would produce accurate, reliable broadband maps. In order to fully implement that legislation, Representative Craig had proposed the creation of an intra-agency task force to oversee the map drawing process and ensure that policymaking decisions are guided by data. The maps overseen by the task force, which has now been established administratively by the FCC, are intended to inform federal investment decisions – ensuring that rural and underserved communities are prioritized in the expansion of broadband internet.

At the hearing, Representative Craig also questioned experts on the importance of accurate mapping by the FCC as well as the challenges posed by poor internet access to teachers, students and families in Minnesota. Matthew Wood, Vice President of and General Counsel of Free Press Action, reaffirmed the importance of accurate mapping by the FCC, explaining that a lack of detailed information on broadband access could lead to the misappropriation of critical funds that could otherwise be directed to communities in greatest need of support. Dr. Tiffany Anderson, Superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, highlighted the financial struggles facing families – ranging from the challenges of providing meals to low-income students participating in distance learning to the burdensome cost of installing quality internet service for many families.