Gonzales: The impact of the Affordable Connectivity Program cannot be overstated

2 weeks ago 42

We are writing to express our concern about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)’s impending funding and operations lapse in mid-May 2024. The ACP plays a vital role in the lives of individuals and families across the communities we proudly represent.

High-speed internet access is a necessity for individuals and families across our states and districts, serving as a lifeline in education, work, telehealth, and communication. The ACP provides millions of households nationwide with more affordable internet access. The program has become indispensable for everyday life and connects communities to vital resources they may not otherwise be able to access easily.

As the government and broadband infrastructure providers begin to wind down the ACP, we foresee adverse effects on families within our districts and statewide as they contend with escalating internet expenses. 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.

Congress must work to remove the barrier to affordable and reliable internet access for working families and households with limited connectivity. We believe that bipartisan solutions are within reach to ensure uninterrupted access to the ACP while concurrently pursuing long-term funding strategies.

Funding for the ACP will ensure that countless individuals, including constituents in our districts, maintain affordable access to essential online resources for work, education, healthcare, and more. Additionally, this continuation of funding will allow Congress to continue working towards reforms that guarantee the program continues to have its intended effect. The ACP’s positive impact cannot be overstated, and its continuation is crucial for the well-being and progress of our communities.

In light of the pivotal role broadband services have assumed in our daily lives post-pandemic, immediate action must be taken to secure short-term funding for this essential infrastructure – safeguarding our constituents and Americans nationwide from potential disconnection to vital services.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to working together to seek a pathway forward.

Sincerely,

Tony Gonzales

Editor’s Note: The above letter was penned by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, and sent to U.S. House Speaker Mile Johnson on April 17, 2024. Gonzales represents the largest part of the Texas-Mexico border in Congress, including Del Rio, Fort Stockton, and Socorro.

Editor’s Note: The above letter was co-signed by the following 20 members of Congress, all Republicans:

Brandon Williams

Brian Fitzpatrick

Marcus J. Molinaro

James C. Moylan

Jenniffer González-Colón

Michael V. Lawler

Nicole Malliotakis

David G. Valadao

Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Anthony D’Esposito

Carol D. Miller