Sam Graves: “I am very proud to sponsor H.R. 1752, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility Act, or…”

“I am very proud to sponsor H.R. 1752, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility Act, or the E-BRIDGE Act. Unfortunately, too many of our communities, particularly in rural Missouri, still lack broadband access. Broadband is critical for conducting business, for attracting jobs, telehealth, education, and emergency preparedness and response--you name it. While Economic Development Administration grants can be used to attract jobs to these economically distressed areas, right now, there are hurdles to using these grants for broadband projects, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment. This bill removes those hurdles to help connect and revitalize our rural communities. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Budget, Washington, DC, September 27, 2023. Hon. Sam Graves, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Graves: I am writing regarding H.R. 1752, the E-Bridge Act, which was ordered reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on July 27, 2023. The bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on the Budget. In order to expedite House consideration of H.R. 1752, the Committee on the Budget will forgo action on this bill.…”