Press Releases

Washington, DC – The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus today announced its endorsement of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, a bill backed by U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) that will facilitate the continuation of the Affordable Connectivity Program through the end of 2024. The program is currently on track to shut down at the end of April, disrupting broadband access for tens of millions of Americans. The bipartisan legislation has over 200 additional cosponsors, 39 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus.

Established in January 2022, the Affordable Connectivity Program has connected over 23 million U.S. households – more than one in six – with access to high-speed, reliable internet. Under the program, low-income households can receive up to $30 each month to supplement the cost of internet service as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a computer or tablet. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act will authorize $7 billion to fund the program through the end of the year while lawmakers work to identify a more permanent solution.

"The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a lifeline to rural and low income New Yorkers, making virtual work, education, and health opportunities much more accessible,” said Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19). “I’m proud to help spearhead the fight to get this program extended. We cannot allow it to go dark and I’m grateful to the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus for putting its weight behind the ACP Extension Act."

“If we’re going to bring our nation’s infrastructure into the 21st century, we need to continue to expand access to affordable, high-speed Internet. Now more than ever, Americans depend on high-speed internet for everything from school to health care to work and job opportunities,” said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06). “Congress has a responsibility to continue funding this program to ensure millions of Americans aren’t at risk of losing the connection that internet access brings.”

“Congress must join in bridging the digital divide among Americans and increasing accessibility to reliable broadband for all of our communities,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). “As co-chair of the Problems Solvers Caucus and co-lead of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, I’m proud our caucus has endorsed this bipartisan, bicameral bill to extend funding for this critical program ensuring families in need have access to high-speed broadband.”

“In the twenty-first century, broadband connectivity is essential to maximizing educational opportunities, stimulating economic growth, lowering health care costs, investing in a skilled workforce, and connecting individuals with their loved ones,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024, which will ensure the 23 million households who rely on ACP stay connected.”

“Millions of Americans rely on the Affordable Connectivity Program for high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act will extend this critical program for Oregonians who rely on low-cost internet for classes, telehealth, and more,” said Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-05). “I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation and will continue working to expand broadband access.”

“Internet access is a necessity of modern life. From booking flights to checking the wind chill or applying for jobs, we need access to online spaces to keep up these days,” said Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D-AK-AL). “It is untenable that anyone is priced out of participation in the online economy, job market, or exchange of ideas. The affordable connectivity program has already been shown to be an effective way to expand access to essential online services, and H.R. 6929 is the right step forward to continue the program. I’m proud to support it.”

“23 million households across the country, including 1 in 4 New York households, rely on the Affordable Connectivity Program to receive affordable, reliable internet,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17). “Millions of Americans are relying on this program to access job listings and applications, finish homework and coursework, update personal finances, complete their shopping, and perform a number of online tasks many take for granted. Amid an ongoing affordability crisis that is squeezing families dry, ensuring that this service is uninterrupted for those relying on it is crucial. To that end, I was proud to be an original sponsor of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act and pleased to see it receive the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus - a sign of its overwhelming bipartisan support.”

“Access to high-speed broadband is essential to compete and thrive in the 21st century, and the Affordable Connectivity Program has been a game-changer in closing the digital divide for tens of thousands of Granite Staters who have struggled to afford high-speed internet,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH-01). “The program is currently only funded through April, and applications are no longer being accepted. This means that many families may see a drastic increase in internet costs or may lose access to connections when funding runs out. Congress must renew this program now to protect New Hampshire families’ access to high-speed internet and continue working to ensure broadband is available to all.”

“Broadband services that are reliable and affordable should be accessible to everyone,” said Congressman James Moylan (R-GU-AL). “While Internet access helps us stay connected, it is also crucial to enhance both education and economic opportunities. I'm proud to co-sponsor the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act which has and will continue to help so many families in my community.”

The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act is supported by more than 450 organizations. The full text of the bill can be found here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus, which Rep. Molinaro is a member of, has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.