Press Releases
Pingree Joins Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Close the Digital Divide with Extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program
Washington,
January 25, 2024
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) has joined a bipartisan, bicameral effort build on progress made under President Biden to close the digital divide. Led by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and U.S. Representatives Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act would provide $7 billion for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides affordable high-speed internet options to qualifying households across the U.S. The program, which is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is projected to be exhausted by April 2024 without additional funding. “One in 8 households in Maine’s 1st District have benefitted from the Affordable Connectivity Program, but if Congress doesn’t act now, the program will run out of funding as soon as this spring. Congress must build on the progress we have made to close the digital divide and keep this vital program funded,” said Pingree. The Affordable Connectivity Program, enacted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history. Since its implementation, over 22.5 million households—including 95,836 in Maine—have utilized the program’s monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, and up to $75 monthly for those living on Tribal lands. This program has been utilized by over 800,000 veterans, one million college students, 3.1 million families with a K-12 student receiving free or reduced-price lunch, and 5 million seniors across the United States. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act is supported by over 400 organizations, including: AARP, American Civil Liberties Union, AT&T, Charter, Comcast, Communications Workers of America, Cox Communications, CTIA – The Wireless Association, INCOMPAS, NAACP, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, T-Mobile, USTelecom, Verizon, Wireless Infrastructure Association, and WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband. See State-by-State level data on the Affordable Connectivity Program here. Learn more about the program at GetInternet.gov. ### |
