With a Lifeline at Risk, Mayors Urge Congress to Renew Critical High-Speed Internet Program
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), quality and affordable high-speed internet access for millions of people in American cities hangs in the balance, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) is urging Congress to act quickly to renew the program. The ACP was created in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help close the digital divide by guaranteeing low-cost access to high-speed internet for those in need. Earlier this year, USCM sent a letter to lawmakers supporting renewal of the program, with a bipartisan group of 174 mayors signing on. Echoing this call for renewal, USCM President Reno (NV) Mayor Hillary Schieve released the following statement:
- The ACP was created in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help close the digital divide by guaranteeing low-cost access to high-speed internet for those in need.
- Earlier this year, USCM sent a letter to lawmakers supporting renewal of the program, with a bipartisan group of 174 mayors signing on.
- "Quality internet is not a luxury in America; it is critical to education, economic opportunity, good health, and societal connection.
- Congress must put aside its partisan differences, embrace the spirit of the bipartisan infrastructure law and act to renew this critical program.