Today, Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Mike Carey (R-Ohio) introduced the “Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act” to provide $6 billion to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. The ACP helped more than 23 million families afford high-speed internet access until the program depleted funds at the end of May. The bill is a companion to Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s (D-NM) bill of the same name.
The following can be attributed to Nat Purser, Government Affairs Policy Advocate at Public Knowledge:
“Public Knowledge is delighted to see Reps. Budzinski and Carey champion the continued funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program. When the program lapsed, more than 23 million families who had come to rely on this subsidy for professional, educational, and healthcare support lost a critical lifeline connecting them to their communities. Renewed funding gives us a chance to correct course and continue our progress towards closing the digital divide.
“Members across both chambers and parties recognize that broadband affordability is not a partisan issue – everyone stands to benefit from a more connected country. As Congress continues to deliberate on a long-term solution to broadband affordability, we must act to ensure that all American families can experience the security and opportunity that comes with stable connectivity.”
View our blog post, “The Critical Role of the Affordable Connectivity Program in Closing the Digital Divide,” for more information on the importance of funding the ACP.
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.