"FEMA has played a critical, I might say from my own experience, a very effective leadership position and leadership role in response to COVID-19."
"Congratulations on your new position. I know you do a fantastic job."
"Ultimately, in many rural communities across the Nation, access to broadband internet remains a major hurdle to retaining and attracting businesses and jobs."
"This lack of broadband in many rural areas is a serious impediment to many facets of American life, including economic development."
"We are all excited on both sides of the aisle about reauthorizing the EDA."
"While EDA can and does fund some broadband projects, we must ensure any unnecessary hurdles are addressed so we can help more Americans get connected."
"Thank you. Just as it is with the chair, tourism and travel is important to us. I am from Florida."
"Oh, we are great at that."
"We also know that broadband impacts the ability of distressed communities to attract jobs and businesses across a host of other industries, including the healthcare and energy sectors."
"It was a great, great, great hearing."
"Just about every business these days needs access to broadband internet."