House majority whip unveils bill for universal broadband access, discounts for low-income consumers

House Majority Whip James Clyburn and other House Democrats have introduced the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, which would spend $100 billion in federal dollars on infrastructure improvements to provide universal broadband access in rural areas and low-income communities.

The bill would also provide a $50 monthly discount on Internet plans for "low-income consumers" and require the Federal Communications Commission to "collect and publicize data on prices charged for broadband service throughout the country."

Clyburn, who formed the House Rural Broadband Task Force last year, said he considers America "great" but "the problem is its greatness has not been made accessible and affordable for all."

He referred to the lack of universal broadband Internet access as a "fault in our country that needs to be repaired."

The South Carolina Democrat told reporters that House Democrats think all of the components of the bill will bring broadband to "every home in America."

Clyburn emphasized that the coronavirus pandemic has made broadcast access for all more urgent, citing the importance of distance learning for students.

He said the bill's language will be included in the final $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan the Democratic-led House is expected to vote on before July 4.