Kuster Helps Introduce Bipartisan Compromise to Renew Affordable Connectivity Program

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH) helped introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal program that helped low-income households afford access to high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ran out of funding in May – ending assistance for over 23 million American households. The legislation is being co-led in the House by Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH). Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).

Full bill text is available here.

For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped families afford the high-speed internet services they need to work remotely, complete online coursework, attend telehealth appointments and more. The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would restore the program and provide eligible households with a monthly discount of up to $30 per month off the cost of their internet service…

The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act has been endorsed by AARP, the American Civil Liberties Union, Common Sense Media, Benton Institute, Accolade, Public Knowledge, INCOMPAS, R Street Institute, Affordable Broadband Campaign, New America, Emerios, Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) and CTIA…

“The R Street Institute is proud to support this bipartisan proposal to extend both rip and replace and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) without increasing the deficit. This bill features meaningful reforms to ensure that ACP targets those most in need of the benefit and streamlines eligibility requirements. By temporarily extending the ACP, R Street hopes this will support the efforts of the Universal Service Fund (USF) working group as they pursue a long term solution and permanent home for ACP. Additionally, the rip and replace funding will provide much needed funds to finish removing unsecure Chinese equipment from our networks, closing a critical vulnerability.” said Jonathan Cannon, Policy Counsel Technology & Innovation at the R Street Institute.