Haves and Have-Nots

Friends,

There are new haves and have-nots in America – and it's called those who have internet and those who don't.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the digital divide in America. We learned during this pandemic that access to internet broadband is critical for online learning, conducting business, and receiving health care through telemedicine. However, too many regions including our own, are lacking crucial internet connectivity. These unserved communities across our nation are often home to some of those most in need of care, many of whom are currently unable to access potentially lifesaving telehealth treatments due to a lack of broadband service.

As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee which oversees broadband issues, I have worked on legislation to increase funding for broadband access.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) uses broadband mapping to allocate federal funding to areas most in need of service, such as our rural communities here in North Carolina. Last week, I introduced the 21st Century Broadband Deployment Act. This would close the digital divide by using accurate mapping at the FCC to invest in rural and unserved communities. My bill will also ensure funding is not spent on red tape, but on the actual infrastructure necessary to deploy broadband. This is critical for so many families and I will continue fighting for solutions to support you.

As Fort Bragg's Congressman and a dad, I also care deeply about our military and improving education in North Carolina. Our state is the proud home to many military-connected students. That means Impact Aid, federal funds for schools with lower tax revenue, is critical to our schools with many service-connected students.

That's why last week I also introduced the Counting Overlooked Base Impact Aid (COBIA) Act to ensure schools educating service-connected children receive the full sum of Impact Aid they are entitled.

Should the COBIA Act become law, schools will proactively work with bases to count every service-connected student, ensuring schools receive full federal funding for each student. These funds contribute towards better education and facilities for all students who attend schools surrounding military bases like Fort Bragg. I'm proud of this commonsense bill and will continue to look for other measures to support our military and students.

I am working every day to get resources to our communities and these bills will do just that. I am also working to ensure we can put this pandemic fully behind us. It's true that our region has seen a rise in cases recently. That's why last week, I joined with our local health departments to encourage everyone to consult with your doctor about getting a vaccine if you have not done so already. Vaccines are available in each of our counties and are a safe way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

I am against sweeping mandates on what should be a personal decision between you and your doctor. I am also determined to keep our schools and businesses open this fall. I encourage everyone to consult with your doctor and consider doing what's best for you, your family, and your neighbors.

While Congress adjourned last week for the August district work period, there are still many outstanding issues which need immediate attention. Border crossings are nearing another record-breaking month. Crime is on the rise. And inflation, which is a tax on all Americans, is taking its toll on everyone's wallet. I've spoken with many families about the rise in prices on everything from gas to groceries. Congress must come together to find bipartisan solutions to the challenges we face as a country. Solutions like cutting spending, supporting our law enforcement, and reinstating policies that worked to secure our border in the past. I will continue to fight for these commonsense solutions on behalf of you and your family.

Until next week,

Richard Hudson
Member of Congress