Congress, Don't Drop Affordable Broadband

A year ago today, Members of Congress introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. The legislation would have provided $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helped millions of low-income Americans access high-speed internet. The House bill, introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY), eventually gained 232 cosponsors, which is enough to pass. The Senate bill, introduced by Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), gained 32 cosponsors, including Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance (R-OH), and advanced out of committee. Tragically, neither bill was brought to a vote, and so the ACP was forced to shut down June 1, 2024. This increased the price of internet service for one in six U.S. households, all among the most vulnerable in the country. As the 119th Congress sets its agenda, Congress should revive the ACP and ensure low-income families can get and stay connected. For too many Americans, the cost of essentials—like groceries, housing, healthcare, and, yes, internet access—is too high. The ACP was a targeted, effective program that eased the burden of monthly internet bills for veterans, people with disabilities, and families relying on food stamps and Medicaid. Broadband is still essential, and people still need help to afford it. In 2024, hundreds of lawmakers supported the ACP, and the vast majority of them remain in Congress. In 2025, we hope they remember why the ACP earned their support.