WASHINGTON, D.C.— Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the majority of House Democrats voted down the Motion to Recommit H.R. 265, which would have reversed cuts to the USDA Rural Broadband Pilot Program to match the House-passed level:
“House Democrats just voted to hamstring our rural broadband initiatives in favor of federal buildings and bureaucrats. High-speed internet is crucial to the long-term development of our rural areas. Americans across the country cannot compete in innovation, productivity, or educational opportunities if they lack access to the same resources as our major metropolitan areas.
“Rather than leveling the playing field for rural America, Democrats chose to fund overhead accounts for DC bureaucrats and maintenance for federal office buildings. Democrats must answer for continually favoring Washington D.C. over our struggling communities. It’s unethical, unfair to taxpayers, and undermines the future of our rural areas.”