Current:Home > MarketsLawmakers propose $7 billion in new funding for affordable internet program-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Lawmakers propose $7 billion in new funding for affordable internet program
View Date:2025-01-13 03:08:28
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.
CNN was first to report on the legislation.
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. On Thursday the FCC released an order saying it would stop sign ups for the ACP beginning Feb. 7. The agency noted internet service providers will start notifying those on the program about its potential end by January 25
"If Congress does not provide additional funding for the ACP in the near future, millions of households will lose the ACP benefit that they use to afford internet service," Chairwoman Rosenworcel wrote. The chairwoman also noted the end of the program would affect some 1,700 internet service providers across the nation.
The bipartisan and bicameral push for the funding takes place as Congress and the White House rush to fund parts of the government ahead of funding deadlines. Vermont Senator Peter Welch says the internet is no longer a luxury in a statement of support for the program.
"Access to high-speed internet isn't a luxury anymore, it's a necessity," Sen. Peter Welch said in a statement. That's why it's never been so important to avoid this funding cliff and extend the ACP."
Vance echoed support for the legislation offering a personal anecdote.
"This is exactly the type of program my family would have benefited from if I was growing up in Ohio today," Vance said in a statement. "We must ensure low-income families all across Ohio, from our bustling cities to the most rural parts of Appalachia, aren't cut off from the online banking, schooling, and connectivity services they need."
If approved, the funding would provide much needed government support for a program that could run out of funds in April. The end of the program would mean nearly 23 million households would lose access to the monthly stipend.
Rosenworcel thanked lawmakers for introducing the legislation.
"Rural, suburban, and urban communities across the country are online today because of the success of the Affordable Connectivity Program," she said l in a statement to CBS News. "Nearly 23 million households are connecting to education, work, health care, and more I'm grateful to Sens. Welch and Vance, and Reps. Clarke and Fitzpatrick for their bipartisan leadership as we seek to maintain the historic progress we've made through this program," she added.
The legislation has also received a warm welcome from broadband internet advocates.
"We applaud Representatives Clarke and Fitzpatrick for championing digital equity by introducing legislation to keep over 22 million households connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program," said Angela Siefer, the executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
The bill calls for $1 billion more than what the White House requested. A congressional aide who spoke to CBS News described the program as popular among Americans alluding to the additional need for funding that may arise with increased signups. The aide said conversations to gather additional support for the bill are ongoing as the debate over funding the government largely continues to focus over immigration.
"This is a program that we can find that common ground on and we are having those conversations on both sides of the aisle and across the aisle," the aide said.
Willie James InmanWillie James Inman is a White House reporter for CBS News based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (428)
Related
- Stock market today: Asian stocks decline as China stimulus plan disappoints markets
- Houston officer shot responding to home invasion call; 3 arrested: Police
- Target Fall Clothes That Look Expensive: Chic Autumn Outfits on a Budget
- Brittany Cartwright Admits She Got This Cosmetic Procedure Before Divorcing Jax Taylor
- Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
- Lady Gaga Explains Why She Never Addressed Rumors She's a Man
- 5 people perished on OceanGate's doomed Titan sub. Will we soon know why?
- Baker Mayfield says Bryce Young's story is 'far from finished' following benching
- Prominent conservative lawyer Ted Olson, who argued Bush recount and same-sex marriage cases, dies
- Phaedra Parks Reveals Why Her Real Housewives of Atlanta Return Will Make You Flip the Frack Out
Ranking
- See Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's Winning NFL Outing With Kids Zuma and Apollo
- Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Reveals He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel
- America’s political system is under stress as voters and their leaders navigate unfamiliar terrain
- Ohio officials approve language saying anti-gerrymandering measure calls for the opposite
- Kathy Bates likes 'not having breasts' after her cancer battle: 'They were like 10 pounds'
- A Company’s Struggles Raise Questions About the Future of Lithium Extraction in Pennsylvania
- Your Ultimate Acne Guide: Treat Pimples, Blackheads, Bad Breakouts, and More
- Atlantic City mayor, school superintendent wife indicted on child abuse charges
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul stirs debate: Is this a legitimate fight?
-
See Jamie Lynn Spears' Teen Daughter Maddie Watson All Dressed Up for Homecoming Court
-
A body is found near the site of the deadly interstate shooting in Kentucky
-
'The Golden Bachelorette' cast: Meet the 24 men looking to charm Joan Vassos
-
Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
-
Judge dismisses an assault lawsuit against Knicks owner James Dolan and Harvey Weinstein
-
Review: Marvel's 'Agatha All Along' has a lot of hocus pocus but no magic
-
The Smoky Mountains’ highest peak is reverting to the Cherokee name Kuwohi