CLARKE LEADS BIPARTISAN LETTER URGING HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP TO FUND AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM THROUGH FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 9, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:

e: [email protected]

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led 121 of her colleagues in a bipartisan letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging them to include funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program in legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

"We write today to express our serious concern regarding the impending lapse of funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). As you know, April was the last month in which the full monthly ACP benefit was available and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has now stated that ACP funding and benefits will cease at the end of this month without additional funding. 1 With this in mind, we urge you to include funding for this highly effective program to bridge the digital divide in legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)," wrote the Members.

"The ACP provides a lifeline for millions of Americans by enabling them to access essential services, participate in remote learning, engage in telehealth services, search for employment opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones. High-speed internet access has become an indispensable part of everyday life and allows communities to be connected to vital resources that otherwise would not be accessible or affordable."

Read the full letter here.

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