WASHINGTON DC – Last week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to allocate $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households across the U.S. with affordable high-speed internet. Since its implementation, more than 264,296 Nevada households have utilized the program’s monthly discount ranging from $30 to $75 for internet service, saving an estimated $7.3 million every month. Without additional funding, this program is projected to expire in April 2024. As one of the lead authors of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s broadband provisions, Senator Rosen helped create the ACP.
KSNV Las Vegas: Rosen extends program for access to affordable high-speed internet
Anchor: “Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen announcing her efforts to help low-income Nevadans afford high speed internet. This will help continue the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. Since the start of the program, more than 260,000 households have used the program’s monthly discount, collectively saving an estimated $7.3 million each month.”
KRNV Reno: Rosen helps introduce bipartisan extension of program to keep internet affordable
Anchor: “Senator Jacky Rosen announcing her efforts to help low-income Nevadans afford high-speed internet. Rosen helped introduce the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to help to continue that program. This is as funding for the program was set to run out by the end of April, meaning abrupt price hikes for the tens of millions of people who benefit from the program. Since the start of the program, more than 260,000 Nevada households have used this monthly discount, saving an estimated $7.3 million dollars each month.”
CNN: US lawmakers propose $7 billion in funding to extend FCC internet discount program
By Brian Fung
Key Points:
- US lawmakers are mobilizing to prevent abrupt price hikes on millions of Americans’ internet bills, announcing new legislation to rescue a popular government program that’s set to run out of funding this spring.
- The previously unreported bipartisan legislation expected Wednesday in both the House and Senate would allocate $7 billion in additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), or $1 billion more than the White House proposed to Congress last year.
- The ACP provides monthly $30 discounts on internet service for low-income households and up to $75 monthly discounts for eligible households on tribal lands.
- The ACP currently serves nearly 23 million households, according to the Federal Communications Commission, which warned on Monday it will be forced to take initial steps to wind down the program as soon as this week unless Congress passes an extension.
- Without congressional intervention, the ACP’s $14 billion budget will be exhausted by the end of April amid rising enrollment and strong demand for benefits. By that time, the loss of funding could disrupt internet access to an estimated 25 million homes, the FCC has projected, or the equivalent of 64 million people, according to US Census Bureau household estimates.
CBS News: Lawmakers propose $7 billion in new funding for affordable internet program
By Willie James Inman
Key Points:
- Lawmakers are proposing new funding that could keep a popular internet affordability program and stipend in place for millions of American households through the end of the year.
- A coalition of bipartisan lawmakers including Democratic Sens. Peter Welch of Vermont and Jacky Rosen of Nevada, and GOP Sens. JD Vance of Ohio and Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, along with Reps. Yvette Clarke of New York and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania have introduced a $7 billion bill to fund the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The internet stipend includes up to $30 in monthly assistance paid directly to the internet provider for households that qualify. Those on tribal lands who qualify could receive up to $75 per month for internet service.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act would offer a lifeline to a program that the FCC said it would need to begin taking steps to wind down this month in a letter from Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel addressed to members of Congress earlier this week.
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