Lawmakers Make Final $7 Billion Push to Save $30 Monthly Internet Discounts

Backers of a popular subsidy for Americans’ monthly internet bills are making last-minute appeals to leaders to keep the program funded, with Senate proponents hoping to attach the measure to a pending federal aviation bill set to pass Congress soon. The more than 22 million low-income households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has it roots in the Covid-19 pandemic, have been getting a $30 voucher each month that goes directly to a broadband provider for the cost of a wireless or home internet plan. A bipartisan proposal to inject $7 billion into the program to extend the subsidies through the end of the year is being led by Sens Peter Welch (D-VT) and J.D. Vance (R-OH), who want to add the measure to the Federal Aviation Administration’s reauthorization legislation that Congress could pass as soon as this week. The current FAA bill expires on May 10, and lawmakers are aiming to attach other proposals to the must-pass bill. Rep Yvette Clarke (D-NY) is leading the effort to extend the program on the House side.