- The White House is asking Congress to extend an internet subsidy program for 23 million American households before the funding expires.
- Last October, the White House requested $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024, but Congress has yet to provide funding.
- April will be the last month for participants to receive full funding, with partial funding available in May.
The White House plans to lobby again in April to persuade Congress to extend the Internet subsidy program, which serves 23 million American households, weeks before it runs out, officials said.
The White House in October asked for $6 billion to extend the program through December 2024, but Congress has not provided the funding, potentially putting millions of households at risk of losing internet service. There is sex.
Federal Communications Commission Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a letter to lawmakers that April will be the last time participants will receive the full subsidy, with a partial subsidy coming in May. Stated.
Commerce Department Announces $930 Million in Grants for Biden’s Internet Expansion Project
Congress previously allocated $17 billion to help low-income households and people affected by COVID-19 gain broadband access through $30 monthly vouchers for internet service.
The White House plans to lobby again in April to persuade Congress to extend the Internet subsidy program, which serves 23 million American households, weeks before it runs out, officials said. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
“We have gone too far to end this successful effort to promote internet access for all,” Rosenworcel said Tuesday. “Despite the broad scope of this assistance and the urgent need to continue this program to ensure that millions of households across the country do not lose essential internet access, additional funding remains available. Not assigned.”
The FCC froze new user registration on February 8th.
The White House says the plan, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, will save users more than $500 million a month on their internet bills.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T are all asking Congress to extend the program.
A bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Peter Welch, J.D. Vance, Jacky Rosen, and Kevin Cramer would provide $7 billion for the program. A bill to provide funding for the program for one year has been introduced in the House of Representatives and is supported by 216 members.
The FCC cited research showing that more than three-quarters of households participating in the program would “experience service interruptions, have to change their existing plans or stop service altogether” if the program were to end. did.
