1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I am writing to strongly advocate for the proposed amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, which seeks to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with a $6 billion allocation. This amendment is vital to continue the program's success in providing essential internet access to approximately 23 million American households, which represents about 7% of the U.S. population. The ACP has been instrumental in reducing internet costs for American families, helping them save $30 to $75 monthly on internet bills. These savings are crucial for low-income households, seniors, and military families, enabling access to online education, healthcare, and job opportunities​ (The White House)​​ (The White House)​. The proposed changes to the ACP aim to streamline and secure the program: - The amendment proposes aligning income eligibility to 135% of the Federal Poverty Line, consistent with the FCC’s Lifeline program, which ensures that the program targets those most in need. - It suggests eliminating the device subsidy while maintaining critical access to service, focusing resources on connectivity rather than hardware. - Additional measures include developing anti-fraud controls and performance standards to safeguard the integrity of the program and optimize its effectiveness. These adjustments are designed to enhance the program's sustainability and focus its benefits on those who rely on it the most. It is imperative that we support this amendment to ensure no American household is left behind in our increasingly digital society. I urge you to pass this legislation promptly to prevent millions from facing disconnection. Your action will affirm our commitment to maintaining vital internet access for all, particularly the underserved and economically disadvantaged segments of our population. Thank you for considering this crucial issue. I trust in your leadership to continue supporting and protecting the digital lifelines that connect us all.