Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (pronounced: “Boo-shon”) represents the Eighth District of Indiana, which encompasses all or part of 19 counties in Southwest and West Central Indiana.
Since coming to Congress, Larry has been a champion for advancing patient-centered health care reforms that will give patients and their doctors the freedom to make their own health care decisions as opposed to Washington bureaucrats. He has also been a leader in the fight to end the opioid epidemic, having been just one of eight lawmakers from around the nation recognized by the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose in 2016 for his work on the issue. Beyond health care, Larry has also been a recognized leader on transportation issues when he previously served on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Since the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was passed into law, new technologies and advancements in telecommunications have rapidly developed due to the limited government regulation of internet traffic and services. This unrestricted free market has since provided broadband to many Americans without government intervention or interference.
Rural access to broadband is the most pressing telecommunication issues in Congress’ jurisdiction. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released reports with suggestions on improving broadband access as a result of a mandate in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. We must be careful to reform broadband access in a way that is sustainable, executed fairly and will prevent unintended negative consequences on consumers. We need to ensure that all areas of the 8th District have access to broadband.
Another aspect of telecommunications policy is the regulation of the internet to prevent identity theft, privacy invasion and copyright infringement. As with many federal agencies, the FCC must not impose overreaching regulations that violate First Amendment rights and have adverse affects on the economy.