Rep. Thanedar's Statement on Urgent Need to Extend the Affordable Connectivity Program, Calls for Bipartisan Solution
Washington, DC - February 7, 2024 - Washington, D.C. — Today, the Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new enrollments, an action necessary to maintain the integrity of the program before it ends in April 2024 due to insufficient funds.
Rep. Thanedar released the following statement on the potential end of the program:
“Since its creation through the groundbreaking Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has provided critical subsidies to households across the country, enabling them to access affordable broadband that powers so much of both our working and personal lives.
“To date, nearly 23 million households have enrolled in the ACP, including 132,172 in our district alone. This represents nearly 45% of eligible households and the highest participation rate in Michigan. Despite its obvious merit, House Republicans have turned their back on the ACP, and are blocking the funding it needs to keep running.
“Without compromise and cooperation, House Republicans will allow the ACP to expire in just two months, and more than 75 percent of ACP households will experience a disruption to their internet access – or will have to stop service altogether. This result is nothing short of unacceptable.
“I’ve urged leaders in Congress to pass President Biden’s request for more ACP funding. Today, I’m reiterating my call for additional funding that ensures Michigan residents continue to have access to the transformative investment of the ACP before it's too late.
“One thing is certain: I’ll keep fighting to ensure all of Michigan and our district can access the resources they need to continue achieving at the highest of levels.”
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