WASHINGTON — New bipartisan federal legislation to narrow the “digital divide” in Indian Country would expand access to an existing broadband internet service used by schools and libraries.
The Tribal Connect Act, introduced in late August by Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. and Martha McSally, R-Ariz., and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M. and Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla, would increase access for tribes to the Federal Communications Commission’s $4 billion E-rate program, which provides discounts for schools and libraries to seek high-speed internet access at an affordable rate.
The proposed legislation also would create a $100 million pilot program to provide broadband internet access in tribal communities lacking a library.
“Unfortunately, an alarming percentage of rural tribal communities in New Mexico lack access to broadband internet, which means less access to educational, health, and career-related resources,” Heinrich said in a statement. “The Tribal Connect Act is an investment in broadband connectivity in Indian Country so all of our students and children can compete on an even playing field and learn the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.”
The “commonsense” bill’s sponsors say the legislation helps address a disparity for many rural tribal communities that lack broadband access, which has complicated e-commerce efforts, telehealth and virtual educational service delivery during a time of social distancing to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“As coronavirus has forced schools and businesses to go remote, the digital divide in Arizona’s Native American communities has sharpened,” McSally said in a statement. “Our bill will help bridge that divide by investing in broadband connectivity and improving internet access in Native American communities over time so that our tribal students and families have greater access to quality education, jobs, and other public resources.”
The legislation would remove barriers to the E-rate program grants and offer tribal schools, libraries, chapter houses and community centers another option for affordable and reliable internet access.
Under the bill, tribal colleges and universities also would qualify for E-rate support.
“The Tribal Connect Act would, for the first time, make our community centers eligible for the same FCC e-rate program that has provided distance-learning, job training, and other crucial services to other communities across the United States,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. “What COVID-19 has taught us is that access to high speed internet is lifesaving and it is urgently needed more now than ever on the Navajo Nation.”
In addition to the Navajo Nation, the American Indian Library Association also signaled its support for the Tribal Connect Act.
"We applaud the acknowledgment of tribal sovereignty by affirming that the governing tribal entity determines library eligibility,” stated American Indian Library Association President Cindy Hohl.
The legislation has been referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Heinrich and Luján previously introduced similar legislation in the 2017-2018 session, but the bills never advanced out of committee.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (December 22, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Washington Post Reports Indian School Deaths are Three Times What the Federal Governement Reported
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
