Urge Your Members of Congress to Support Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 That Would Save the Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is winding down—the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024. The FCC is offering outreach partner resources on their website to help consumers prepare for the program’s sunset that include up to date information about the status of the program, frequently asked questions, and important information about the program’s consumer protections.
On January 10, House and Senate members introduced companion legislation S. 3565 and H.R. 6929, the bipartisan Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024. If enacted, the bill would provide an additional $7 billion to continue the program in 2024, with the funds to remain available until expended. The bicameral and bipartisan bill was introduced by Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-09), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Marcus Molinaro (R-NY-19) and Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-4). On April 9, Representative Clarke filed a discharge position, a measure to force a House floor vote on the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. However, the measure would need an absolute majority of 218 votes to bring the bill to the floor for consideration.
Without congressional action, one in six households could lose broadband access, according to an FCC spokesperson. While the program is slated to end, CLPHA continues to urge members and stakeholders to encourage their U.S. Representatives and Senators to support the legislation. CLPHA will continue to inform our networks on the status of the bill and any other legislative updates that would continue the ACP.
Bill text for the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024: