Currently, the Affordable Connectivity Program is helping more than 455,000 Virginia households access high-speed internet
Washington DC — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today led members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation to expand funding for a critical discount program that will give more Virginia households access to high-speed internet. A bipartisan effort was made to request the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.
The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with discounts of up to $30 per month on high-speed Internet service and provides discounts to eligible tribes, including Virginia. We offer discounts of up to $75 per month on land. Congress established the ACP as part of a policy supported by Spanberger. Infrastructure investment and employment law — also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. Today, ACP is helping more than 455,000 of her households across the commonwealth get high-speed internet.
In a letter sent to House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger (R-Texas, 12th District) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (R-2003), Spanberger and his colleagues wrote that He urged the committee to prioritize extending ACP funding and voiced critical opinions. This program’s need will be met by connecting hundreds of thousands of Virginia households to affordable, high-speed internet. Additionally, lawmakers emphasized the urgent need to provide funding to extend the ACP, as funding for this valuable program will likely run out by April 2024.
“The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that ACP will likely run out of funding by April 2024. Earlier this month, the FCC closed its application portal to new applicants.” Spanberger and colleagues write: “If Congress does not act, hundreds of thousands of Virginians and millions of Americans across the country will lose access to this important program, especially those we represent. As we continue to hear concerns about the rising cost of living, now is not the time to end this vital support for families.”
Their letter continued as follows: “Time is of the essence. If we do nothing, this benefit will be taken away from hundreds of thousands of Virginians, and families will be forced to choose between access to high-speed internet and other necessities. It will be.”
The letter includes Mr. Spanberger and U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Jen Quiggans (R-VA-02), and Jennifer – Signed by Mr. McClellan (D-VA-04), Bobby. Scott (D-VA-03) and Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10).
Click here to read their letter. The full text is below.
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As legislators representing constituents in Virginia who rely on the Affordable Connections Program (ACP), we are writing this letter to highlight the critical need for an extension of ACP funding.
According to recent data, more than 450,000 households across Virginia (14% of the commonwealth) are enrolled in ACP. The ACP makes it easier for Virginians to access internet service by providing eligible households with a $30 monthly credit towards their internet bill.Congress established the ACP through bipartisanship. Infrastructure investment and employment lawand families have relied on the program for more than two years.
However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced that ACP will likely run out of funding by April 2024. The FCC closed its application portal to new applicants earlier this month.
If Congress does not act, hundreds of thousands of Virginians and millions of Americans across the country will lose access to this critical program. Now is not the time to end this vital support for families, especially as we continue to hear concerns about the rising cost of living from the people we represent. As you know, broadband access is essential for accessing educational resources and telehealth services, fostering economic development, investing in a skilled workforce, and maintaining social connections.
Therefore, we urge expropriators to prioritize funding for ACP to ensure that families, regardless of income level, can access affordable broadband and thrive in today’s digital environment. I recommend it. Time is running out, as inaction will deprive hundreds of thousands of Virginians of this benefit and force families to choose between access to high-speed internet and other necessities. Very important.
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