North Columbus News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced bipartisan legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative that helped low-income households access high-speed internet. The ACP, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ran out of funding in May, affecting over 23 million American households. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Ben Ray Luján (NM), J.D. Vance (OH), Peter Welch (VT), Roger Wicker (MS), and Jacky Rosen (NV).

The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act aims to restore the program, providing eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 on their internet service.

“Internet access opens doors, from helping kids do their homework to learning new skills and applying for jobs. Unfortunately, close to a million Ohioans lack access to high-speed internet. This bill will close that gap,” said Carey.

“Access to high-speed internet isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. “For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program’s $30 monthly credit helped connect nearly 23 million low-income households to internet access.”

The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act also seeks to replace insecure wireless equipment from Chinese corporations like Huawei and ZTE. Funding will come from renewing the Federal Communications Commission’s ability to auction AWS-3 band spectrum and narrowing ACP eligibility criteria.

Original cosponsors include Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Joe Courtney (D-CT-02), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Susan Wild (D-PA-07), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), James Moylan (R-GU-AL), Annie Kuster (D-NH-02) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR-AL).

“We cannot let nearly a quarter million Minnesota households fall behind because of a lack of internet,” said Congresswoman Angie Craig.

“The lapse in funding for this low-cost internet program is an unnecessary disruption,” said Congressman Joe Courtney.

“Virginia families need reliable, affordable internet access for essential healthcare services, education, and employment opportunities,” said Congresswoman Jen Kiggans.

“As someone who represents rural areas, urban areas, and everything in between...internet is not a luxury but a basic necessity,” said Congresswoman Susan Wild.

“In today’s connected world, it’s vitally important that everyone has access to fast and reliable internet,” said Congressman Jack Bergman.

“More than 20 million Americans rely on the Affordable Connectivity Program...It’s imperative that we act now,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.

“Bridging the digital divide...is essential,” said Congressman James Moylan.

“In the 21st century, access to reliable, affordable internet isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster.

“High-speed internet connection has become an essential part of our day-to-day lives,” said Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.

The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act has garnered endorsements from organizations including AARP, the American Civil Liberties Union, Common Sense Media, Benton Institute among others.

“The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would revitalize ACP so that families in need can continue to connect,” said Jenna Leventoff from ACLU.

“When the program lapsed last month...we must renew ACP’s funding," stated Nat Purser from Public Knowledge.

“This bill features meaningful reforms...By temporarily extending ACP," noted Jonathan Cannon from R Street Institute.

"Additional funding...is critical," commented Amina Fazlullah from Common Sense Media.

"This program is the most successful effort in our nation’s history," remarked Gigi Sohn from Affordable Broadband Campaign.

"INCOMPAS supports this bipartisan effort," added Angie Kronenberg from INCOMPAS.

"The introduction of this bipartisan legislation devotes funding," mentioned Lilian Coral from New America.

"We applaud Congress's bipartisan support," stated Amy Huffman from National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

"We are excited by this bipartisan legislation," commented David B. Dorwart from National Lifeline Association.

"Fully funding Rip and Replace is critical," emphasized Tim Donovan from CCA.

"Emerios appreciates these bi-partisan efforts," concluded Brock Crowe from Emerios.