Congressman Taylor to lead Rural Broadband Caucus

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Dave Taylor (OH-02) announced his role as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus for the 119th Congress. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Rob Wittman (R-VA-01), James E. Clyburn (D-SC-06), Bob Latta (R-OH-05), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM-03) joined Congressman Taylor as co-chairs of this caucus.
 
“Having already introduced three bills aimed at expanding broadband across rural communities like those in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, I am honored to be chosen to help lead the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus,” said Congressman Taylor. “Southern Ohio exists in a broadband desert and desperately needs access to the business, healthcare, and education opportunities that come with internet access, which is why this is my number one priority. Together, we’ll work to find solutions that connect our rural communities to the modern economy. ”
 
Although the Federal Communications Commission releases biannual reports reflecting broadband coverage across the state of Ohio, these reports yield inaccurate data in rural regions. Thus, the broadband coverage across rural Appalachia is severely lower than even the reported values.
 
In a 2022 Agriculture Census conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture, 96% of all farms in Ohio’s Second Congressional District were reported as being family farms. This report means that without broadband, not only do farmers face limitations in their ability to keep up with rapidly advancing farming technology, but countless farming families across Southern Ohio also lack access to telehealth services, education opportunities, and critical services outside their immediate region. 
 
“Our farmers need access to broadband so they can continue doing their jobs,” Congressman Taylor added. “Both our agriculture industry and our Nation’s food supply depend on it. Congress must ensure that rural communities can utilize federal resources allocated to states so they won’t be left behind more urban and more-connected areas. I look forward to advocating for broadband access for our rural farmers, families, and small businesses through the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus.”
 
Congressman Taylor has introduced three bills aiming at expanding broadband access across rural America in the 119th Congress, each of which is listed below:
 
• Rural Broadband Assistance Act, introduced April 30, 2025;

• Bridging the Broadband Gap Act, introduced April 9, 2025; and

• Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act, introduced March 27, 2025
 
Congressman David Taylor represents Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which includes Clermont, Clinton, Pike, Adams, Brown, Highland, Ross, Scioto, Pickaway, Hocking, Vinton, Jackson, Lawrence, Gallia, and Meigs counties, as well as part of Fayette County. Taylor serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the House Agriculture Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Taylor worked as an assistant prosecutor for Clermont County before joining his family’s concrete business, where he ultimately served as President. Please visit https://taylor.house.gov/ for more information.