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Republicans Show No Urgency in Funding a Key Biden Infrastructure Program

The affordable internet connectivity program serves 23 million low-income households and is running out of money.

Joe Biden broadband infrastructure
The Affordable Connectivity Program discounts internet costs for low-income families by $30 to $75 a month. Evan Vucci/AP

In only a few weeks, more than 23 million low-income American households will stop receiving assistance to pay for internet access if Congress fails to act. Despite broad support for the program, Republicans continue to kick the can down the road on funding one of President Joe Biden’s central goals: to ensure affordable internet for all.

“Given the need to fund Ukraine and all the other things, I just don’t expect a vote on that any time soon,” Republican Rep. Greg Murphy said.

“There was some hope of doing it before the Easter recess — that obviously didn’t happen,” Republican Sen. J.D. Vance said. “The question now is what must-pass vehicle could we use to get the program funded, but it’s still very much up in the air.”