On the recordJune 19, 2012
I rise to oppose the amendment that would cut funding for critical programs for small businesses in rural communities across the country. In the 1930s and 1940s we made a commitment to rural electrification and extended what was a fairly new technology to communities across the country. We had a boom in innovation and economic growth. Our country no longer has a divide between urban ``haves'' and rural ``have-nots'' as a result of that. Today, the Internet is the new dividing line. Too many communities still don't have access to high- speed broadband Internet for businesses in these locations. It is a real competitive disadvantage for them, especially in a global economy. I urge that we support what we have done to invest in small businesses and the ability to connect. We don't need the new urban ``haves'' and rural ``have-nots.'' This is about investing in rural communities. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. Mr. DeMINT. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a sufficient second? There is a sufficient second. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk called the roll.
