Syracuse Sun

Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) has introduced a bill to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through Fiscal Year 2024. H.R. 8466, the Affordable Connectivity Program Improvement and Extension Act of 2024, aims to replenish the Affordable Connectivity Fund with $6 billion by amending Section 521(4)(a) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. This funding will come from existing federal resources, creating no additional taxpayer burden.

In New York’s 22nd Congressional District, one in four households (80,695) receive a total of $46.9 million in benefits from the ACP. The proposed legislation includes measures to combat fraud by requiring eligible households to enroll in the ACP through the National Verifier or National Lifeline Accountability Database. It also stipulates that all currently enrolled households will remain eligible for 180 days after the bill's passage, regardless of future eligibility status.

The legislation is supported by NCTA, which represents major broadband providers and streaming services in the country.

“One out of every four households in my district benefits from the ACP. Local leaders across my district have been steadfast in their advocacy for this vital program, and for good reason,” said Rep. Brandon Williams (NY-22). “For millions across America, the ACP is a lifeline that enables them to work, study, and communicate online. We must act now to make sure they can continue to do so.”

NCTA issued a statement regarding H.R. 8466: “We commend Rep. Brandon Williams on the introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program Improvement and Extension Act of 2024. With over 22 million American households now relying on the ACP for vital internet connectivity, continuing the program helps bridge the digital divide and supports connecting every citizen to reliable high-speed internet service. ACP has been a success story and Rep. Williams’ legislation will help ensure it continues to receive funding.”

The Affordable Connectivity Program has been winding down since its funding ran out without renewal earlier this year. April 2024 was the last month subscribers received full benefits from the program; they will receive partial benefits in May before losing coverage entirely unless Congressman Williams' bill becomes law.