Rep. Doris Matsui warns Affordability Connectivity Program faces uncertain future
A press conference held today by Rep. Doris Matsui (D - Calif. 07) sought to convey the threat being posed to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program, which helps disadvantaged families gain access to the internet faces an uncertain future according to Matsui because of the Congressional Republican majority threats to kill funding.
“Families across our region are saving real money on their internet bills, and I am doing everything I can to keep it that way,” Matsui said today. “Access to reliable, fast internet determines who gets to participate and succeed in the 21st Century economy.
Opposition is led by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.). Joining Thune are Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), and Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio).
Cruz is the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Thune is the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. McMorris Rodgers is chair of the House Commerce Committee, and Latta is chair of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
In a letter late year to the Federal Communications Commission, Thune and others characterized the ACP as wasteful. That letter can be viewed here.
A key feature of the ACP is the $30 a month saving provided to millions of families. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
In her remarks today, Matsui said the program helps over 23 million household gain internet access. In the Sacramento region about 107,000 households have participated in the program.
"For those families relying on the ACP to stay connected, an unexpected lapse or loss in service is simply unacceptable. I am committed to working with my colleagues to get the ACP funded," Matsui said."
Matsui, who represents Elk Grove and Sacramento, serves as Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Additionally she chairs the Congressional High-Tech and Spectrum Caucuses.
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