On the recordJuly 23, 2020
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all veterans living rurally and remotely, I rise in support of my amendment included in this en bloc package. The amendment focuses additional efforts within the Veterans Health Administration Office of Rural Health on solutions that will bring more connectivity to veterans living in rural and remote areas. My district features not just rural but remote communities where many veterans are unable to access high-speed broadband. The coronavirus has only further highlighted this digital divide. The VA and Congress proactively responded to the pandemic with increased telehealth resources for veterans. This is a crucial and critical step, but what good is it for the veterans who don't have access to broadband in the first place? We need to keep our Nation's promises to all veterans, including those living in rural and remote communities. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
