Syracuse Sun

WASHINGTON—Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) has taken the lead in advocating for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by rallying 20 Representatives in support of replenished funding for the initiative. The ACP, which offers discounted broadband access to millions of households in the United States, is at risk of losing its funding, potentially leaving beneficiaries without their essential discounts after May 2024.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Mike Johnson, Congressman Williams emphasized the critical importance of the ACP in expanding access to high-speed internet, stating, “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.”

Joining Congressman Williams in this initiative, Congressman Marc Molinaro (NY-19) highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re approaching the 11th 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.”

Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40) also expressed the importance of affordable high-speed internet access, particularly in underserved communities, saying, “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.”

The letter to Speaker Johnson highlighted the potential consequences of the ACP funding lapse, particularly for vulnerable communities. It warned, “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.”

The collective effort of these Representatives underscores the widespread support for maintaining affordable internet access through the ACP. The full letter to Speaker Johnson can be accessed for further details and information on the matter.