Originally Published in Axios.com

The coronavirus pandemic has spotlighted the need for "broadband access for everyone," Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) said during an Axios at a virtual event that aired Thursday.

Why it matters: The shift to remote learning during the pandemic exposed a stark digital divide, disproportionately affecting students of color and those from low-income households.

What she's saying: "I really don't think in the immediate future we should see a world where everything is virtual and everybody is on their screen," Houlahan said.

• "But I do think we need to see a world where, should we be in an unfortunate position where another shock to our system — like a pandemic — happens that we do have access to technologies equitably, and that means broadband access for everyone," she added.
• "So there are real issues of inequity, not just in the urban parts of my community, but also in the rural parts too, and that's hopefully what we'll be able to accomplish with some of the infrastructure packages that we're pushing for."

Watch the full event here.