A pandemic-era program designed to ensure all Americans can access the internet regardless of their income level is on the verge of ending unless Congress acts.
The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with $30 off their internet bills and offers free high-speed internet to people who qualify. More than 300,000 New Jersey families currently benefit from the program.
U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th) was joined by Jessica Rosenworcel, the chairwoman of the FCC, at a press conference in Red Bank on Wednesday to urge Congress to reauthorize the program, which was enacted in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“If we are unable to get additional funding from Congress, those households will no longer get $30 in support,” Rosenworcel said. “So every household will have to make some tough choices. Do they cut gas, groceries, do they cut the internet service?”
