Congress should move swiftly to extend subsidies for reliable, high-speed internet access for nearly 23 million Americans, including more than 357,000 households in Washington state. The bipartisan program, launched during the Trump administration and continued under President Joe Biden, has proved to be a long-needed lifeline for online education, health care, employment opportunities, civic engagement and more.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides up to $30 a month for income-qualifying households and up to $75 a month for people on tribal reservations, will run out of funds this month unless Congress acts, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
An FCC survey of subsidy recipients found that roughly half use their internet service for work, three quarters of subscribers between ages 18 and 24 use it for school, and nearly three-quarters of households use it for health care. Nearly half of the households are military families who rely on the internet to keep in touch with their loved ones.
Critics of the program contend the eligibility requirements — essentially granting subsidies to households with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty levels — are too broad and include people who already had broadband service.
In a recent letter to congressional leaders, 159 House members — including Washington’s Pramila Jayapal, D-Seattle; Rick Larsen, D-Everett; Adam Smith, D-Bellevue; Kim Schrier, D-Sammamish, and Marilyn Strickland, D-Tacoma — say those concerns can be addressed later. A similar letter was signed by 33 Democrats and independents in the Senate. Washington’s Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray were not among the signatories but have backed other affordable internet programs.
The broadband subsidies align with a separate Biden initiative to fund affordable high-speed internet in underserved communities. The Treasury Department has approved $195.7 million in funding for projects in Washington state, enough to connect about 33,000 homes and businesses.
As House members point out in their letter, polling indicates widespread bipartisan support for extending the subsidies, along with backing from major groups like the National Association of Counties, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Extending the program is an opportunity for a rare legislative success in an era of partisan strife. Lawmakers should continue to help bridge the nation’s digital divide.