Democratizing force. It is powerful in terms of being a ladder for social and economic mobility. But right now there are really significant discrepancies in the adoption and availability of a lot of these technologies such as broadband in lower income communities. So im concerned about that these communities are often the vulnerable populations. And that theyre often adversely affected by technology transitions. So the question very simply is, is what can we do, what should we be doing to ensure that reliable voice and Broadband Services are delivered to the public regardless of economic background or geography . Well, if i can just jump in a little bit. I think its really two questions. One question is the rural question. How can you get these facilities that are very expensive built in very rural areas . And that the fcc and a number of states have universal funds to help get that infrastructure built. The other question, the adoption question, is really a question that theres been a
Areas, and sustaining existing capabilities. But, again, that measure can be better. On the administrative management side, weve made progress in measuring our ability to effectively, efficiently release the funding, monitor programmatic use of the funds, monitor grantee Financial Management of the funds, monitor the closing of the awards and grantee draw down. Were making progress, mr. Chairman, weve got an opportunity to make even more. Thanks. Yes, sir. For us, i think its about getting good, quality information and data for us to make the right decisions on when we issue a card. Its about continuing to get that information after we issue the cards so we can monitor the individual to ensure they havent done something as to disqualify them. Whether its on a terrorism watch list or something through a criminal issue. I think the other thing that is going to make us better is installing readers. We believe that the coast guard, whom were close partners with, made the right decision to
This process. Ill just this is a long time ago, but ill share an experience with you. I bought a company in puerto rico, put it into four containers, all the equipment. Everything that was there. All four container arrived at one of my plants here. All the seals were there. When we opened the containers, everything of significant value that could have been marketed was gone. But the seals were still there. So the fact is, and that was way before 9 11. That was in the 70s. But the fact is, that people will try to do it. So my question is, is i guess my question is really this, do we have the capability to track ships from the time they leave a port until the time arrive here and know whether or not theyve been boarded or accessed between this embarkment and the embark here . Thats the question that i probably cant answer. Got you. All right. Thank you. Senator, did you want me to touch upon the metrics issue . Yes please. I think at the strategic level. A more detailed functional plan,
Im worried about holes or gaps. If i can go down that way of this idea of the penetration were seeing sort of equally applied, you know, access to technology is to me a great democratizing force. It is powerful in terms of being a ladder for social and economic mobility. But right now there are really significant discrepancies in the adoption and availability of a lot of these technologies such as broadband in lower income communities. So im concerned about that these communities are often the vulnerable populations. And that theyre often adversely affected by technology transitions. So the question very simply is, is what can we do, what should we be doing to ensure that reliable voice and Broadband Services are delivered to the public regardless of economic background or geography . Well, if i can just jump in a little bit. I think its really two questions. One question is the rural question. How can you get these facilities that are very expensive built in very rural areas . And tha
Witnesses today. Theres a lot of attendance today. Obviously a discussion that many people are interested in. We do have a series of four votes beginning in a halfhour so im going to be very strict with the time clock today in allowing five minutes to each senator and well be calling on people in order of arrival. So with that, ms. Jones, i wanted to start with you and thank you for sharing your story and being here today to testify. Your story actually really resonates with me. All of my brothers and sisters and i went to college on pell grants and Student Loans to finance our education and i taught Young Children early on in my career which is actually what got me into politic to pe begin with. But the financial burden of Student Loan Debt is considerably more than when i graduated. So i share your understanding and appreciate your being here. In your testimony you said that you paid over 600 dollars a month to cover your federal Student Loans. How much was your monthly take home pay