Senator Reverend Warnock Introduces Legislation to Close Digital Divide, Secure Internet-Accessible Devices for Millions of Households

Senator Reverend Warnock introduced the Device Access for Every American Act that would create a voucher program for working Americans to buy laptops and tablets, connecting millions of households to more economic and educational opportunities

The new legislation seeks to make it easier for working families to keep up with the shift to digital platforms for school, work, and other daily activities

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I am incredibly proud to introduce the Device Access for Every American Act, which ensures that every American – regardless of income or zip code – has the ability to participate and thrive in our increasingly digital economy. This legislation ensures students stay on track, especially following a year of learning loss, with the necessary devices at their disposal.”

4.4 million households with students lack consistent access to a computer

Introduction follows Senator Warnock’s tour of Georgia rural broadband provider WavCom where he spoke about the need for connectivity to ensure a level playing field for rural communities – READ MORE

Read bill summary and full bill text

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Device Access for Every American Act, new legislation creating a voucher program for working families to purchase laptops and tablets so that Georgians and Americans can take full advantage of the economic, civic and social benefit of the internet. Having reliable Internet connectivity and access to connected devices is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced millions of Americans to shift to digital platforms for school, work, and other daily activities. However, many households struggle to keep up due to the lack of access to connected devices and the cost of acquiring them. Nationwide, 40% of working adults do not own a desktop or laptop computer. Additionally, 4.4 million households with students lack consistent access to a computer, making it difficult for these students to participate in class and complete schoolwork.

“It is nearly impossible to get by without access to a laptop or tablet—especially after more than a year of adjusting to virtual learning, working, and more.” said Senator Warnock. “For that, I am proud to introduce the Device Access for Every American Act, which ensures that every American – regardless of income or zip code – has the ability to participate and thrive in our increasingly digital economy. This legislation also helps ensures students stay on track with the necessary devices at their disposal.”

The Device Access for Every American Act creates a $400 voucher for low-income Americans to purchase laptops and tablets to help close the digital divide and connect millions of households. The implementation of this program would provide working families’ better access to economic opportunities and ensure students have ample resources to complete their schoolwork. The bill builds off of the tremendous success of the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit program from the Federal Communications Commission. Rep. Donald McEachin (D-VA) introduced companion legislation in the House.

“Laptops, tablets, and other connected devices are indispensable in our increasingly digital world. Many students’ homework assignments now require laptops, more employers are exploring telework models, and more doctors’ offices are migrating toward telehealth services as the new standard of care,” said Rep. McEachin (D-VA). “The COVID-19 pandemic has further demonstrated this need and underscored the stark disparities that currently exist in our country. For too many low-income Americans, prohibitive costs pose unnecessary challenges and hardships for them and their families. I am proud to introduce the Device Access for Every American Act, along with my colleague, Senator Warnock, to improve access to these vital devices, connect millions of American households, and help close the digital divide once and for all.”

The Device Access for Every American Act is supported by Public Knowledge, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, National Hispanic Media Coalition, National Consumer Law Center, Common Sense, National League of Cities, Information Technology Industry Council, Digitunity, National Council on Aging, Dell, Microsoft, HP, UnidosUS, Consumer Reports and more. See full list of endorsements here. A one pager on the bill can be found here. Bill text can be found here.

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