U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. SENATE News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote to take action on rulemaking regarding digital discrimination.

Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the FCC is required to issue rules within two years that facilitate equal access to broadband, by preventing and eliminating digital discrimination, on the basis of “income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion or national origin.”

Wednesday’s vote was the culmination of Luján’s negotiation and final vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, in addition to letters sent to the FCC urging action. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) also heeded Luján’s call and urged the FCC to adopt strong rules against digital discrimination.

“A reliable internet connection should not be a luxury based on your zip code. It’s a necessity for every household. Yesterday, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel led Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Commissioner Anna Gomez to fulfill the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s requirement to end digital discrimination. This is an important moment to ensure everyone—every family in New Mexico and across the nation—has access to broadband,” Luján said. “This FCC vote is a step in the right direction, but our work is not finished. I’ll continue working with my colleagues alongside the FCC to find solutions that expand internet access, ensuring Americans can fully participate in today’s digital world.”