Sens Welch (D-VT), Vance (R-OH), Rosen (D-NV), Cramer (R-ND) and Reps Clarke (D-NY) and Fitzpatrick (R-PA) Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program

U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), JD Vance (R-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) led their colleagues in the bicameral, bipartisan introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. This legislation would provide $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides affordable high-speed internet options to qualifying households across the U.S. The program, which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission, is projected to be exhausted by April 2024 without additional funding. Since its implementation, over 22.5 million households have utilized the program’s monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for those living on Tribal lands. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act is supported by over 400 organizations, including: AARP, AFL-CIO, American Civil Liberties Union, AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Communications Workers of America, Cox Communications, INCOMPAS, NAACP, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, T-Mobile, US Telecom, Wireless Infrastructure Association, and WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband.