Reps Carey, Budzinski Introduce Bipartisan Compromise to Renew Affordable Connectivity Program

Reps Mike Carey (R-OH) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)—a federal program that helped low-income households afford access to high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, ran out of funding in May—ending assistance for over 23 million American households. For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped families afford the high-speed internet services they need to work remotely, complete online coursework, attend telehealth appointments and more. The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would restore the program and provide eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month off the cost of their internet service. The legislation is paid for by renewing the Federal Communications Commission’s ability to auction AWS-3 band spectrum to U.S. telecom providers and by narrowing Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility from households with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line to households at or below 135% of the federal poverty line.