Rashida Tlaib Demands Reauthorization Of Affordable Connectivity Program

4/15/2024

During remarks on the House floor, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) spoke about the importance of affordable internet connectivity.

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Transcript

00:00The most successful Internet affordability program in our nation's history will soon run out of money unless Congress acts.

00:0723 million families rely on an affordable connectivity program in our country.

00:12If Congress doesn't reauthorize this funding, the program will run out of money in a matter of weeks.

00:18This is deeply concerning for thousands of our residents who depend on this program for Internet access.

00:24In Michigan's 12th district alone, this program has benefited 110,000 households,

00:31reducing broadband costs in the district by $52.1 million annually.

00:37Losing this access would jeopardize the well-being and opportunities for an estimated 64 million Americans,

00:44especially our seasoned residents.

00:47This is why it's so important, and I co-sponsored the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act

00:52and urge Speaker Johnson to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.

00:56Access to Internet is a necessity for our communities, not a luxury.

01:01From education to employment to scheduling health care appointments to access to health services,

01:06everyone deserves affordable Internet access.

01:10We cannot let this crucial resource expire and leave our residents disconnected.

01:16Mr. Speaker, disability rights are human rights.

01:20Everyone in our country and around the world, including people living with disabilities,

01:24deserve to lead a fulfilling life with dignity.

01:28I am committed to dismantling the barriers and injustices our neighbors with disabilities face

01:32to ensure our country is living up to our values of equity and equal rights of all people.

01:38Our neighbors with disabilities cannot receive quality health care they need and deserve

01:44when medical facilities lack accessible equipment like examination tables,

01:48weight scales, dental chairs, and radiology devices.

01:52I can't even imagine.

01:54This is why I joined my sister in service, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley,

01:58in urging the Justice Department to address this issue and help the disability community

02:02access equitable health care.

02:05I am so grateful for her leadership and partnerships.

02:08Please know that studies have shown that women with disabilities have a higher risk of dying

02:12from breast cancer and cervical cancer but are less likely than able-bodied women

02:17to receive mammograms and other tests to diagnose those conditions

02:21because of the lack of access to equipment.

02:24So we must address this injustice with the urgency it deserves.

Rashida Tlaib Demands Reauthorization Of Affordable Connectivity Program

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