Vasquez Urges Congressional Leadership to Extend Affordable Internet Access Ahead of Looming Deadline

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, April 12, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) urged Congressional leadership to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to ensure the 71,000 households in New Mexico’s second congressional district that rely on the program can access affordable internet. Without additional funding, the ACP will be discontinued as early as this month.

“Disruptions to internet access have real impacts, especially for our rural and Tribal communities,” stated Vasquez in his letter. “Many New Mexicans can’t afford to go for an undetermined period without access to job applications, online tax services, telehealth or applications for Medicare and Social Security. Access to the internet is a necessity and it makes our communities stronger, healthier and more prosperous.”

Since the program began in 2021, the ACP has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide, providing essential support to underserved communities across the nation. The ACP provides $30 per month to low-income households and $75 per month to Tribal households to access broadband. 

In New Mexico’s second district, more than one in four households receive the monthly benefit. The program has ensured our children can attend school, parents can work, rural communities can access vital health care services and more.

Vasquez’s request highlighted bipartisan concern over the ACP’s funding deadline, noting that over 220 bipartisan representatives have co-sponsored legislation to extend ACP funding. This bipartisan support underscores the widespread recognition of the importance of providing affordable internet access to millions of Americans.

Vasquez is co-sponsor of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act and recently signed onto a discharge petition to bring this legislation to a House vote. Vasquez remains committed to ensuring that New Mexican families do not experience a lapse in internet access, urging his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come together in support of this critical legislation for the well-being and prosperity of all Americans.

The full text of the letter is available here.

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