WASHINGTON, D.C. (NewsNation) — The White House, looking to highlight the impact of the Biden-Harris administration on everyday Americans, will unveil an “Investing in America” content series Thursday, with a first-hand account of how high-speed internet changed one family’s life.
“No matter what side of the aisle you’re sitting on, everyone needs internet,” Camille Smith said in an exclusive one-on-one interview with NewsNation ahead of the White House rollout.
Camille and Emile Smith live in rural Seneca, Wisconsin. For more than a decade, they struggled to get high-speed internet as they also ran a small family business, Sebastian Specialty Hardwood. The Smiths feared for the future of the business without high-speed internet access.
Along with their neighbors, the Smiths began advocating for internet service expansion, and finally got it in July of last year. They credit the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with finally bringing modern internet speed to their town. The Smiths say it also helped persuade their son to come home to join the family business.
The “Investing in America” video will showcase achievements of the Biden-Harris administration, as well as demonstrate that President Joe Biden is still on the job.
“We know that some of the most powerful content and most powerful moments are when President Biden speaks directly with people who are impacted by his agenda,” White House spokesperson Rachel Thomas told NewsNation.
“Camille and Emile Smith are the first ones [in this series. They] were able to access high-speed internet in their community because of President Biden and Vice President Harris’ American Rescue Plan. It’s changed their lives for the better,” Thomas added.
The effort officially launched in a South Court Auditorium event earlier this month at the White House, where Biden met virtually with a group of Americans who the president said were partners in the “progress we’ve made together.”
The digital series launches Thursday with the Smiths being the first interview.
The White House says the series will bring the president and viewers directly into the small business or living room of Americans who are talking about the impact Biden’s agenda has had on their lives, and how it has laid the foundation for a brighter future for them.
The White House said there will be more “Investing in America” episodes featuring Biden and everyday Americans in coming weeks.