TPA Applauds Introduction of the PROTOCOL Act

For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara Zupkus (224)-456-0257

August 30, 2024

TPA Applauds Introduction of the PROTOCOL Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, Reps. August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) announced the introduction of the PROTOCOL Act. This legislation would harmonize broadband coverage maps across government agencies to ensure the government has the most accurate picture of broadband coverage across the U.S. This will help in the race to close the digital divide. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) applauds this effort.

In response, TPA President David Williams offered the following comment:

“TPA is grateful to Reps. Pfluger and Dingell for their hard work in bringing forward this critical legislation. Closing the digital divide is one of the most pressing and important public policy goals facing lawmakers. The existing system promotes inefficiency and risks overbuilding in already-served areas. This will only delay the realization of nationwide coverage With billions of taxpayer dollars being spent to deploy broadband, it is critical that the money is spent wisely and this legislation is the first step in assuring transparency and oversight.

“The PROTOCOL Act would create a filterable and searchable database to ensure government agencies are on the same page about what is and is not a covered area. This also adds much-needed transparency for individuals and families who will benefit from more efficient efforts to close the digital divide. This is the type of serious bipartisan lawmaking that Washington needs more of. TPA is proud to stand behind Reps. Pfluger and Dingell in this effort.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.