Congress’s Free Netflix Plan

Some 23 million households receive broadband subsidies through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which is more than the number on food stamps. Households qualify if they earn 200% or less than the poverty line or participate in other welfare programs such as Medicaid. This includes relatively affluent households with public-school students in localities like New York City that provide universal free school meals. Broadband providers have said in recent earnings calls that they don’t expect to lose many subscribers once the program ends. Some even expect to benefit by poaching subscribers from competitors. Yet some 230 House Members, including 24 Republicans, have co-sponsored legislation to spend $7 billion to extend the subsidies. Five Senators, including Republicans Kevin Cramer and Roger Marshall, are sponsoring a companion bill. The $7 billion cost tag is an accounting ruse designed to draw more GOP support. Once this pot runs out, the program’s supporters will demand more. Americans aren’t binging Netflix like they did during the pandemic. Why can’t Congress quit its spending binge?