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TULALIP – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with Washington state tribal leaders to discuss barriers to broadband access on tribal land.

DelBene serves on the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet. Last year, she requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study and report on the status of Internet and telecommunications services on tribal reservations. The report is expected in January.

“In this Internet age, broadband plays a significant role in our ability to communicate, to do business and the education of our children. But too many communities, especially in remote or rural parts of the country, do not have reliable broadband access,” DelBene said. “Federal resources are available to help improve broadband access, but research suggests that tribes across the country might not be getting the full benefit. I am eager to see the results of the GAO’s report, and am glad I was able to hear from tribes in the First District and across Washington about what we can do to improve broadband access.”

“Most Americans are not aware that rural Tribal communities don’t have reliable access to the Internet. Our committee raises our hands to Representative DelBene’s experience and support in advocating for equal access to broadband,” said Andrea Alexander, Co-Chair of the Energy & Telecommunications Committee for ATNI and a member of the Makah Tribe. “We need to work together to overcome the barriers to ensure rural reservation communities are able connect to education and economic opportunity.”

As part of the investigation, GAO officials spoke with 21 tribes, including Washington’s Hoh, Quinault and Quileute. DelBene wanted to hear from other tribes as well to ensure every community’s unique needs are considered as efforts to study and improve broadband access improve.

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