Davis Working for Rural Needs in Telecommunications BillJune 28, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis today stood with colleagues representing rural districts at a press conference in Washington to discuss the importance of telecommunications infrastructure in rural America. This comes at a time when the House Energy and Commerce Committee begins to draft legislation rewriting the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

"There are many important issues facing our rural constituencies, one of which is the need to expand broadband telecommunications infrastructure," said Lincoln Davis (D-TN).

In a letter authored by Congressman Davis and over fifty of his colleagues to Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton and Ranking Member John Dingell, multiple principles were requested to be incorporated when updating the Telecommunications Act.

A few of the basic principles include investing in networks for rural America so they may be competitive with their urban neighbors, continue efforts to expand access to advanced broadband infrastructure, and continuation of the Universal Service Fund.

"Rural Americans are not second class citizens, and we shouldn't have to rely on second class technology. As information and technology delivery systems advance and play a larger role in our economy, education, and everyday life, rural Americans should be afforded every opportunity as their urban neighbors."

Davis represents the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee and serves as the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Rural Caucus.