While Bill Johnson was serving Ohio’s 6th district in Congress, he tried twice — in 2021 and 2023 — to introduce legislation that would help Americans (particularly those living in rural areas) have easier access to broadband internet.

His successor, Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli, has taken up that mantle and has again introduced the Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment Act. It may be an uphill battle, as others have also tried. U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., introduced the same bill in 2024 after Johnson resigned. None of these efforts ever left the committees where they were sent to die.

As was the case with past versions of the bill, Rulli’s proposed legislation would remove some requirements when upgrading or adding wireless facilities to existing infrastructure. It would permit broadband providers to mount or install personal wireless service facilities — such as antennas, transmitting devices and related equipment — on existing wireless service facilities and permit modifications to existing wireless service facilities without first obtaining a federal exemption to the National Historic Preservation Act or the National Environmental Policy Act.

Echoing Johnson’s sentiments on the bill, Rulli explained it would “eliminate burdensome reviews that are often repetitive and slow down broadband expansion.”

For four years now, lawmakers have had a chance to give this bill legs and ignored it.

Perhaps its time has come.

“Reliable broadband is the lifeline for growth in rural communities like mine, unlocking vital opportunities for businesses, schools and families,” Rulli said. “The economic future of eastern Ohio and rural America is on the line. We cannot afford delays. The House must act now and pass this urgent legislation.”

Let us hope Rulli’s colleagues share his sense of urgency — and desire to support those living outside city limits — in getting to work on this legislation, now.