White House Announced $1.8 Billion In Stimulus Funds For Broadband Expansion

The Obama administration announced a plan Wednesday to use $1.8 billion in Recovery Act funds to expand broadband access across 37 states.

The expansion, which the White House predicts will affect 19 million households and 1.8 million businesses, is aimed at placing rural businesses into the global economy as well as well as spurring job-growth through the broadband’s installation.

 Jared Bernstein, the Vice President’s Chief Economist, explained during a conference call with reporters Wednesday that a boost in broadband access will also benefit local communities by allowing medical and emergency agencies to communicate with greater ease.

The Commerce Department will award 66 grants for projects aimed at implementing the administration’s broadband strategy.

Pelosi's Official Statement On Cordoba House

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) released the following statement today regarding her prior calls for an investigation into those who oppose the construction of a mosque in Lower Manhattan:

“The freedom of religion is a Constitutional right. Where a place of worship is located is a local decision.

“I support the statement made by the Interfaith Alliance that ‘We agree with the ADL that there is a need for transparency about who is funding the effort to build this Islamic center. At the same time, we should also ask who is funding the attacks against the construction of the center.’

“For all of those expressing concern about the 9/11 families, we call upon them to join us in support of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act when Congress returns in September.”

Obama: No Regrets About Mosque Comments

Following an event today in Columbus, Ohio, President Barack Obama told reporters that he has no qualms about remarks he made last Friday in support of a mosque being built two blocks from where the World Trade Center used to stand.

“The answer is — no regrets,” he said.

Pelosi: Mosque Opposition Should Be Investigated

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said during an interview with California’s KCBS that opposition to the Islamic community center in New York should be investigated.

“I join those who have called for looking into how is this opposition to the mosque being funded,” Pelosi said.

The Washington Times has more…

It'll Be Murray Versus Rossi In Washington State Senate Race

The Associated Press reports that Democratic Senator Patty Murray and Republican challenger Dino Rossi will advance out of Washington state’s all-party primary. Murray and Rossi, a former two-time GOP gubernatorial nominee, finished atop the field of 15 candidates. President Barack Obama campaigned for Murray yesterday in Seattle, and blasted Rossi for saying he would fight to repeal Obama’s financial reform law if he is elected…