H.Res. 1189 — Introduced in House

IV 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1189 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 17, 2022Mr. McNerney (for himself and Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of World Wi-Fi Day. Whereas World Wi-Fi Day is a celebration of the benefits that Wi-Fi technology brings to the daily lives of individuals; Whereas World Wi-Fi Day is held annually on June 20th and has the support of the leading United States technology companies and trade groups credited with enabling Wi-Fi connectivity worldwide, with over 100 Wi-Fi industry players supporting World Wi-Fi Day this year; Whereas access to the internet increases economic growth, improves social mobility and computer literacy, and enriches education prospects for all people; Whereas Wi-Fi connectivity is the critical component of telecommunications infrastructure, enabling households, businesses, and institutions to stay connected; Whereas the growth in Wi-Fi-enabled devices is unprecedented, with some analysts reporting that United States households have as many as 25 connected devices, and that the trend is continuing; Whereas the Wi-Fi Alliance has estimated that by 2025, the economic value of Wi-Fi to the United States economy will be $1,400,000,000,000, and $4,900,000,000,000 globally; Whereas congressional efforts to identify bipartisan solutions to promote broadband access for the American people will further expand the role of Wi-Fi in communities in the United States; Whereas Wi-Fi is essential in underserved areas, where residential broadband access may not be available, and Wi-Fi provides connectivity in public places such as schools, libraries, community centers, and other venues; Whereas Wi-Fi expands opportunities for Americans to fully participate in society by enabling remote work, education, civil engagement, health care, and many other valued services; Whereas, while rural Americans have made large gains in adopting digital technology over the past decade and have narrowed some digital gaps, rural Americans remain less likely than suburban Americans to have home broadband and less likely than urban Americans to own a smartphone, tablet computer, or traditional computer; Whereas urban areas also struggle with connectivity; Whereas lower-income Americans are more smartphone dependent, with about 15 percent of American adults being smartphone-only internet users, meaning that they have a smartphone but do not have a home broadband connection, and children in these households have less ability to use the internet to complete homework; Whereas, as COVID–19 disrupted the lives of so many Americans, Wi-Fi played a critical role in keeping Americans connected; Whereas the demand for Wi-Fi connectivity increased dramatically as Americans relied on Wi-Fi for work, education, and social interactions during the pandemic lockdown; and Whereas 9 in 10 Americans say that internet access has been essential or important during the pandemic: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the goals and ideals of World Wi-Fi Day to recognize and celebrate the significant role that Wi-Fi plays in cities and communities around the world and to increase understanding of how Wi-Fi is helping to bridge the digital divide; (2) acknowledges the indispensable role of Wi-Fi in enabling Americans to stay connected; and (3) recognizes the Wi-Fi industry’s efforts in delivering innovation, socioeconomic benefits, and opportunities to the American public and around the world.