Yvette D. Clarke
05/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/01/2024 15:11
REP. CLARKE AND SENATOR WELCH ISSUE STATEMENT FOLLOWING FCC WARNING NATIONWIDE IMPACT OF FINAL MONTH FOR ACP
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT:
c: 202.913.0126
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) released the below statement following the final notice from FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel on the nationwide impact of the official wind down of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
"For over two years, the ACP has provided tens of millions of Americans in every corner of our nation with reliable, high-speed broadband at a price they can afford. According to the FCC, nearly 70 percent of these households had no or very limited internet access before the ACP. The end of this program would have devastating consequences. No family should have to choose between putting food on the table and having internet access essential for modern life. Congress must act swiftly, and pass the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. Lives, jobs, and futures are on the line. Congress must act now to protect this program - before it's too late," said Rep. Clarke.
"Access to high-speed internet has become a necessity in our everyday lives, from scheduling doctors' appointments, to attending class, and doing your job. But for too many households, the cost of high-speed broadband has prevented them from getting connected," said Senator Welch, Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology. "In the two years since its creation, the ACP has been instrumental in helping nearly 23 million households including families, students, veterans, and seniors stay connected to their work, school, and doctors. But right now, we're at the end of the line-Congress must pass our bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to prevent millions of people across the country from falling into digital darkness."
The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act was introduced by Reps. Clarke and Fitzpatrick (PA-01) who were joined by original cosponsors Reps. Michael Lawler (NY-17), Norma Torres (CA-35), Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04), Debbie Dingell (MI-6), Darren Soto (FL-9), and Marc Molinaro (NY-19), along with 217 additional cosponsors. U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and JD Vance (R-Ohio) are leading the legislation in the Senate.
The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act is supported by over 400 organizations, including: AARP, American Civil Liberties Union, AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Communications Workers of America, Cox Communications, CTIA - The Wireless Association, INCOMPAS, NAACP, NCTA - The Internet & Television Association, NTCA - The Rural Broadband Association, T-Mobile, USTelecom, Verizon, Wireless Infrastructure Association, and WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband.
Read more about the bill hereand see state-by-state data on the ACP here.
Due to a lack of funding, the Federal Communications Commission began winding down the program in January 2024. April was the last month households received the full $30 discount. In May, some may receive a partial discount, but without action from Congress, the ACP will end after May 2024.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a lifeline for millions, but its future hangs in the balance. According to the FCC, below is a snapshot of its impact - and the communities that stand to lose the most if funding isn't secured:
- Total Household Increase in Program Enrollment Since Inception of the ACP: 23 million households are enrolled - an increase of 14 million households or 157% since the program began on New Year's Eve 2021.
- Top 10 States With Highest Participation Rates Among Eligible Households: Ohio, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, California, Oklahoma and Wisconsin
- Top 10 States With Highest Percentage of Rural Enrollments: Vermont, Mississippi, South Dakota, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Maine, Kentucky, West Virginia, Montana and Arkansas
- Top 5 States With Highest Tribal Enrollments: Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, Alaska and South Dakota
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