The following quote can be attributed to Gigi Sohn, broadband advocate and spokesperson for the Affordable Broadband Campaign:

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“We are deeply disappointed that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program is not included in the minibus spending package. Congressional inaction means that over 23 million families will lose their broadband subsidy in May. Because of political gameplay, about 60 million Americans will have to make hard choices between paying for the internet or paying for food, rent, and other utilities, widening the digital divide in this country. It’s embarrassing that a popular, bipartisan program with support from nearly half of Congress will end because of politics, not policy.

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It’s clear that the Congressional appropriations process is ill-suited to fund critical priorities like universal broadband access. We’re in a moment of crisis and need a better solution. With ACP on life support, it’s time we start talking about reforming the Universal Service Fund to provide a permanent funding mechanism for a broadband affordability plan.”