Nick Langworthy: “I thank Chairman Johnson for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as we consider H.R. 4368, the agriculture appropriations bill, I…”

“I thank Chairman Johnson for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as we consider H.R. 4368, the agriculture appropriations bill, I will shed light on a critical issue that impacts the lives of millions of Americans and has the potential to transform our rural communities for the better, and that is expansion of rural broadband. In an era defined by information and technology, access to reliable, high-speed internet has become a fundamental necessity. It empowers individuals, educates our youth, grows businesses, and connects us to the world at large. While urban areas have experienced the benefit of a connected world, our rural communities have been left behind in the digital divide. Due to the lack of adequate broadband infrastructure, these communities face countless barriers to accessing the same opportunities and resources as their urban counterparts. By investing in rural broadband, we can bridge this divide and unleash the full potential to our rural communities. It provides economic empowerment by opening doors to new markets and allowing small businesses in rural areas to thrive and compete globally. It encourages innovation, creates new job opportunities, and revives local economies. It also provides our children in rural areas who are often left behind with new opportunities for education, and it enables lifelong learning for adults, offering access to online courses and vocational training.…”