In a recent address to Congress, President Biden announced that Vice President Kamala Harris will spearhead a significant initiative aimed at closing the digital divide in the United States. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that every American has access to high-speed internet, particularly focusing on the 35% of rural Americans who currently lack connectivity. Biden emphasized that this effort is not only crucial for individual households but also vital for the success of businesses and children in the evolving 21st-century economy.

The President highlighted the potential for this initiative to create thousands of good-paying jobs as it seeks to connect underserved communities across the nation. Vice President Harris expressed her commitment to leading this effort, assuring the President that the goals would be met.

However, as the initiative progresses, concerns have arisen regarding its effectiveness. Critics point to the fact that, despite a substantial investment of $42 billion allocated for broadband expansion, no households have reportedly been connected to the internet as of 2024. This has raised questions about the execution of the program and its ability to deliver tangible results for American citizens.

In a related development, Harris has also announced plans to assist in increasing internet access in Africa, aiming to boost connectivity from 40% to 80%. This dual focus on domestic and international internet access has sparked debate about priorities and the effectiveness of current policies in addressing the digital divide at home.