URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO SUPPORT CONTINUED FUNDING OF THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM.

2024 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Nishimoto

HCR 29 urges Congress to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program, ensuring low-income households can access affordable internet services for digital equity.

Report and Resolution Adopted. Transmitted to House.

#affordableconnectivityprogram #extension #unitedstatescongress

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HCR 29

Title: Urging the United States Congress to Support Continued Funding of the Affordable Connectivity Program

Status: Report and Resolution Adopted; Transmitted to House

Introduced: February 28, 2025

Classification: Concurrent Resolution

Subject: Affordable Connectivity Program, extension, United States Congress

Purpose and Intent

HCR 29 is a concurrent resolution aimed at urging the United States Congress to continue funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is designed to provide financial assistance to low-income households to help them afford internet services, thereby promoting digital equity and access to essential online resources.

Key Provisions

Support for Funding: The resolution expresses strong support for the ongoing funding of the ACP, which is crucial for maintaining affordable internet access for eligible households.

Advocacy for Congress: It calls upon Congress to prioritize the ACP in its budget considerations and to ensure that funding is sustained or increased to meet the growing needs of low-income families.

Affected Parties

Low-Income Households: The primary beneficiaries of the ACP are low-income families who rely on the program to access affordable internet services.

Service Providers: Internet service providers may also be impacted as continued funding could lead to increased participation in the program, enhancing their customer base among low-income users.

Community Organizations: Organizations that advocate for digital equity and support low-income families will benefit from the resolution's emphasis on continued funding.

Legislative Timeline

February 28, 2025: Bill introduced.

March 4, 2025: Bill offered.

March 14, 2025: Referred to the Health, Land, and Finance committees.

April 22, 2024: Resolution adopted in final form and transmitted to the House after passing through various committees with recommendations for adoption.

Public Hearings: The bill underwent public hearings and discussions in multiple committees, including the Committee on Water and Land (WAL) and the Committee on Finance (FIN).

Conclusion

HCR 29 serves as a formal request to Congress to ensure that the Affordable Connectivity Program remains funded, thus supporting low-income households in accessing vital internet services. The resolution reflects a commitment to enhancing digital equity and ensuring that all families have the resources necessary to participate in an increasingly digital world.

Bill