Washington, D.C. — Today, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 1752, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility (E-BRIDGE) Act. This bill removes hurdles for broadband projects under Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, including difficult last-mile efforts that often delay rural broadband deployment.
 
“We know broadband impacts the ability of distressed communities to attract jobs and businesses across a host of other industries, including the healthcare and energy sectors,” said Rep. Webster. “I thank my colleagues in committee for their support of this commonsense bill, which removes unnecessary hurdles and helps more Americans get connected. I want to make sure that efforts to achieve this goal do not harm existing rural broadband providers which are often small businesses themselves that have spent capital and time trying to reach these communities – often in creative ways.”
 
Congressman Daniel Webster is a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and co-sponsored this legislation introduced by T&I Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives.