U.S. Rep. Angie Craig Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program provided 23 million American households – and over 244,000 Minnesota households – with access to affordable high-speed internet.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig introduced the Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act to increase funding for federal broadband accessibility programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program that partially expired in April.
Rep. Craig’s bipartisan bill will help ensure rural communities in Minnesota and across the country can access the affordable broadband internet service they need.
This bill will direct $6 billion in federal funding towards the Affordable Connectivity Program, add $3.08 billion to the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Rip and Replace program and require an FCC spectrum auction to offset the cost of this bill.
“In the 21st century, access to reliable broadband internet service is a necessity, particularly in rural areas,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill will ensure Minnesotans can continue to access the affordable internet service they need and help grow our rural economies. I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to bring this critical legislation forward.”
As co-chair of the Bipartisan Rural Broadband Caucus, Rep. Craig has led many efforts to improve high-speed internet in rural communities.
This year, she secured a $1 million federal investment to improve internet access in Le Sueur County, Minnesota.
Click here to read the Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act.
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