The Bipartisan Case for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Today’s interconnected world makes it hard to imagine a day or more without internet access, but that may soon be the reality for millions of Americans when funding for a critical federal program runs out. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a monthly subsidy to eligible low-income households to help pay their monthly broadband bill. The ACP has made tremendous progress in getting and keeping low-income Americans connected to affordable broadband, but if Congress fails to fund it by the end of May, the digital divide will widen. The ACP is the nation’s most successful and sensible broadband affordability program by many metrics. The program’s popularity stems from a few factors. First, the subsidy amount makes a meaningful difference for those with limited resources. For the fiscally minded, ACP differs from most federal programs because, to borrow a phrase, it provides “a hand up, not a handout.” Politically, Americans support renewing the program: 79 percent of all Americans, including 64 percent of Republicans, 78 percent of independents and 95 percent of Democrats. Regardless of one’s political affiliation, funding the ACP offers a rare win for all—for members of Congress, constituents, veterans, seniors, students, workers and our future. Members on both sides of the aisle should renew funding for the program and keep America connected.

[Mignon L. Clyburn was the first acting female chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission. Michael O’Rielly served as a commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission from 2013 to 2020.]