The American Consumer Institute is pleased to learn today that a bipartisan, bicameral proposal has been introduced to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), thanks to U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). Aptly named the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, this important piece of legislation would, if signed into law, provide the ACP with a critical $7 billion lifeline to continue operating past mid-April, when the program is expected to run out of funding.

First created in 2021 to build off the success of the now defunct Emergency Broadband Benefit program, the ACP provides disadvantaged households with a critical discount on home or mobile broadband service – good for up to $30 per month or $75 per month for those residing on tribal lands. Participating households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 that can be used to purchase electronic equipment like a laptop or desktop computer.

Since its inception, the ACP has successfully enrolled over 22.5 million households with more joining every day. Everyone from college students and veterans to seniors and rural Americans depend on this program for connectivity, making the program’s survival extremely important.

We applaud Congress’ efforts to extend the ACP, which remains extremely popular among Americans of all backgrounds and continues to play an important role in helping close the digital divide. Americans deserve to know that their internet connection is secure, and that the government will not pull the rug out from under them. Therefore, we urge Congress to move quickly to consider this important piece of legislation and ensure that families continue to have the financial assistance they need to remain connected.

For more information about the ACP and why it should be saved, visit: ACPConnects.com.

The American Consumer Institute is a nonprofit education and research organization. For more information about the Institute, visit www.TheAmericanConsumer.Org or follow us on Twitter (X) @ConsumerPal.

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