Press Releases

WASHINGTON — Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) led a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson in support of replenished funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides discounted broadband access to millions of households across the United States. The ACP is in the process of winding down in the absence of congressional funding, and beneficiaries will completely lose their discount after May 2024.

High-speed internet is an increasingly necessary tool for Americans seeking to work, learn and communicate. In light of the widespread, positive impact that the ACP has had on expanding access to this vital tool, Rep. Williams authored a letter to the Speaker of the House urging immediate action to secure short term funding for this essential infrastructure.

Twenty Members of Congress across the United States joined Rep. Williams, voicing their support for affordable internet access and specifically for the ACP. Here is what they had to say:

“Local leaders in my home district have been steadfast in their support for the ACP, which over 80,000 Central New York households use. I stand with them, and I urge Congress to move past this ongoing dysfunction and act quickly to protect this program for American families,”  said Congressman Williams.

“We’re approaching the 11^th hour to secure critical funding for the ACP. A lapse in funding will worsen the digital divide for hundreds of thousands of Upstate New Yorkers who rely on accessible and affordable broadband to carry out their daily lives. I’m proud to join my colleagues in urging Speaker Johnson to secure a pathway for ACP funding so families, households, and businesses across the nation can maintain access to high-speed connectivity,”  said Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19)

“Americans rely on access to affordable high-speed internet to power their lives and receive basic health care and public safety services. The Affordable Connectivity Program can bridge the gap in broadband access in communities across the nation, including in Southern California in Riverside County, where 360,000 households struggle to afford the internet,”  said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). 

“If Congress does not act quickly to address the lapse of the ACP and make necessary reforms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, our most vulnerable communities, especially those in rural areas, will bear the brunt of this shortfall. Furthermore, any sudden loss of access to the internet will place additional strain on other government welfare programs inundated with requests for services previously accessible online.” the letter reads.

The full letter, addressed to Speaker Johnson, can be found here.

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