Senator Reverend Warnock Helps Advance Legislation to Secure $7 Billion for Affordable Broadband Program Despite Partisan Opposition

23 million American households-including over 722,000 in Georgia-have relied on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for health care, homework, jobs and vital connections to family and friends

Washington Republicans voted in lockstep against access to affordable internet for Georgians in need

Senator Reverend Warnock has championed expanding broadband into every corner of the state, already securing millions in federal funds for broadband development

Senator Reverend Warnock: "Georgians need a broadband connection to do just about anything, you can't even farm or do homework without a broadband connection"

Washington, D.C. - During a markup in the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) joined colleagues in leading in an effort to secure $7 billion to continue the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has provided access to affordable internet for more than 23 million American households, including over 722,000 in Georgia. Senator Warnock and committee members overcame opposition from Washington Republicans to support the program that has helped middle and low-income Georgia families access telehealth services, complete homework, do their jobs, and stay connected to friends and loved ones. The amendment passed 14-12, with no Washington Republicans voting to continue to fund the program.

"Georgians need a broadband connection to do just about anything, you can't even farm or do homework without a broadband connection. That's why it is a shame to see partisan actors fighting tooth and nail to stop our efforts to close the digital divide and invest in a stronger economy," said Senator Reverend Warnock. "The Affordable Connectivity Program has been a game-changer for Georgia families-and in some instances, a lifesaver. I will continue to be a champion for affordable internet across all of Georgia."

Since its implementation in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 23 million households have utilized the ACP's monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for households on Tribal lands. The ACP also offered households a one-time $100 device discount. Funding for the program expired on June 1, 2024.

According to the Biden Administration

• Nearly half of the households that relied on ACP were military families.
• Four million seniors and 10 million Americans over the age of 50 relied on this program every month.
• 1-in-4 households that participated in ACP were African American, and 1-in-4 households were Latino.
• ACP provided an enhanced monthly subsidy to 320,000 households on Tribal lands, where high-speed internet is generally more expensive.
• Every state had households enrolled in the program.

Senator Warnock is a champion for strengthening broadband access for Georgians across the state. In May 2024, Senator Warnock hosted Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo at Georgia-based OFS Fitel to uplift more $1 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding coming to Georgia for broadband expansion to close the digital divide in communities across the state. Senator Warnock also led an effort urging the FCC to expand the E-Rate program, which would allow schools and libraries to provide Wi-Fi hotspots to students and educators. Additionally, in 2022 Senator Reverend Warnock hosted FCC Chair Rosenworcel in Jackson County. Senator Warnock has also worked with Senator Luján to urge the FCC to prevent digital discrimination by facilitating equal access to broadband internet through its rulemaking process. In a recent Senate Commerce committee hearing, Senator Warnock called out Congress' inaction on funding the ACP and how a potential lapse or end would be detrimental to the more the 23 million Americans who depend on it, which includes 720,000.

##

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.