A group of senators from both sides of the aisle stepped up on Wednesday, introducing an amendment to the must-pass Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation. Their goal? Extending a vital program that provides broadband discounts to millions of Americans.
Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) pitched in to propose an additional $6 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
This program, which has been tapering off in recent months due to funding shortages, has been closing enrollment and reducing the maximum subsidy available. The Biden administration has been pressing Congress for another $6 billion to keep the program running until year-end.
Welch emphasized the bipartisan effort, stating, “Our bipartisan coalition is working together to ensure families don’t get disconnected and fall into digital darkness.”
Despite compromises in the amendment, Welch vowed to push for the program’s continuity, saying, “It’s time for Congress to stop stalling.”
While the amendment seeks to inject more funds into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), it also aims to tighten eligibility criteria. This includes lowering the income threshold for eligible households from 200 percent of the federal poverty line to 135 percent, among other new restrictions.
Wicker highlighted concerns about the program’s sustainability, stressing the need for reform before extending it further.
The Affordable Connectivity Program serves around 23 million households nationwide. Before May, eligible low-income households could get up to $30 monthly discounts on internet service, while those on tribal lands could receive up to $75. However, this month saw a decrease in the maximum monthly benefits to $14 and $35, respectively, prompting the Biden administration to halt new enrollments in February.
The proposed changes and funding adjustments for the Affordable Connectivity Program are part of an amendment to the FAA reauthorization legislation. With a deadline looming, the House approved a one-week extension on Wednesday, pushing the deadline for a final agreement to May 17.
