The U.S. Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is pleased the House of Representatives passed the Internet Freedom and Deployment Act of 2001, otherwise known as the Tauzin-Dingell bill, today. USDLA is a non-profit organization promoting the development and application of distance learning and training.

"Today's passage of H.R. 1542 is good news for the nation's distance learning industry whose future prosperity depends on universal access to broadband technology in our nation's homes, schools, universities and workplaces," said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director for the United States Distance Learning Association. "We are especially pleased with the bill's provision that requires 100% of the Bell companies' central offices to have high speed data capabilities in five years. This measure of accountability will help make distance learning and other broadband applications a reality for all Americans."

Providing courses and electronic field trips are among the principal applications for distance learning in Pre-K through grade 12 education. Distance learning is also used to support rural and inner city classes with student enrichment, student courses, staff development and in-service training for teachers and administrators. In addition, corporate America is using distance learning, both internally and externally, for all aspects of training. Faced with retraining 50 million American workers, many major corporations save millions of dollars each year using distance learning to train employees more effectively and more efficiently than with conventional methods.

"USDLA congratulates Congressmen Tauzin and Dingell for staying the course in laying the groundwork for a national broadband policy that will spur deployment of a high speed Internet network; and we thank the House for passing this important legislation," concluded Flores.

About USDLA
Dr. John G. Flores serves as the Executive Director of the United States Distance Learning Association. USDLA is a non-profit organization, founded in 1987, and will celebrate its 15th Anniversary in 2002, as the leading organization serving the distance learning community. The USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training. USDLA represents nearly 2500 members involved with pre-K through 12 education, higher education, continuing education, home schooling, corporate training, telemedicine and military and government training. In 1993 USDLA began the process of establishing chapters in all fifty states. For more information visit the USDLA website at http://www.usdla.org or call 800-275-5162.