President Joe Biden has put Vice President Kamala Harris in charge of his initiative to close the digital divide, signaling his seriousness about ensuring every American has access to affordable, high-speed internet. 

During his first address to a joint session of Congress, Biden said Wednesday that the vice president would lead his effort to expand the availability of broadband nationwide. Biden’s plan includes making broadband more affordable for millions of low-income Americans. 

“It’s going to help our kids and business succeed in the 21st century economy,” Biden said. “And I’m asking the vice president to lead this effort, if she would, because I know it will get done.”

Biden’s choice to put Harris in charge is a sign the White House sees broadband as a top priority. It “shows that the president considers closing the digital divide of utmost importance,” said Gigi Sohn, a distinguished fellow at the Georgetown Law Institute for Technology & Policy and former advisor to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler. 

More at CNET.