This week, the Affordable Broadband Program missed crucial funding vehicle after Congress released 2nd FY24 Minibus without ACP funding.
Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of AAPB released the following statement:
We are deeply disappointed that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program is not included in the minibus spending package. Congressional inaction means that over 23 million families will lose their broadband subsidy in May. Because of political gameplay, about 60 million Americans will have to make hard choices between paying for the internet or paying for food, rent, and other utilities, widening the digital divide in this country. It’s embarrassing that a popular, bipartisan program with support from nearly half of Congress will end because of politics, not policy.
It’s clear that the Congressional appropriations process is ill-suited to fund critical priorities like universal broadband access. We’re in a moment of crisis and need a better solution. With ACP on life support, it’s time we start talking about reforming the Universal Service Fund to provide a permanent funding mechanism for a broadband affordability plan.
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