FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

March 18, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Manhattan, NY — Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks, advocates, and others held a press conference at City Hall in New York City to urge Congress to preserve and extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) before its funding expires and millions of Americans lose access to its benefits.

Since its implementation, more than 23 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. This program has reached over 800,000 veterans, one million college students, 3.1 million families with a K-12 student receiving free or reduced-price lunch, and 5 million seniors across the United States. On Monday, March 4, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) provided formal notice to Internet Service Providers that, without action by Congress, April is the final full month the Affordable Connectivity Program will be funded.

“Access to broadband is a necessary part of navigating our increasingly digital world. From finding job opportunities to attending school, Americans of every age rely on the internet as a basic resource in our modern nation. For years, the Affordable Connectivity Program has served as an essential tool for keeping them online,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “Broadband must be a right, not a luxury. If we hope to fully close the digital divide, it’s imperative we continue making meaningful investments in the initiatives that are proven to effectively keep families connected. I urge Congress to take immediate action to preserve and extend the Affordable Connectivity Program on behalf of the millions of Americans who depend on its benefits for low-cost, reliable, and equitable broadband access.”

See State-by-State level data on the Affordable Connectivity Program here. Learn more about the program at GetInternet.gov. 

Photographs from the press conference are available here.

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