Vasquez Fights to Extend Affordable Internet Access for New Mexican Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) is fighting to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) by championing the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. 

Since 2021, the ACP has been instrumental in making high-speed internet more accessible for families nationwide. Moving forward on this legislation is pivotal in securing ongoing affordable internet access so kids can go to school, parents can work and rural communities can access health care. However, without additional funding, the program faces the threat of discontinuation as soon as April 2024. 

“I’m proud to champion the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to protect affordable access to the internet,” said Vasquez. “I understand how critical it is for our district to have affordable internet – forty percent of households in my district lack access to high-speed internet. This federal program has significantly helped working families. Without it, we are putting at risk the connectivity of thousands of hard working New Mexicans and their children.”

The ACP, known as the largest effort in the country's history to make internet access affordable, has significantly impacted New Mexico. This program has allowed working families in the state to access high-speed internet for free, marking a transformative development. Nearly one in four households throughout the district are enrolled in the program, and 179,723 households benefit state-wide.

Vasquez urges his colleagues to prioritize the extension of this program. Without the ACP Extension Act, the district risks losing the life-changing access to the program's affordable, high-speed internet.

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