The White House warned that 23 million families, including six million Latino families, will lose internet assistance if Congress does not approve new funding requested last year.
Around 23 million families, including six million Latino families, will lose their monthly assistance to pay for internet service, as the program will end this month if Congress does not approve new funds.
“Since last October, President Biden has been asking Congress to extend funding for this program through 2024, and many Democrats in Congress have joined him in support, but some Republicans in Congress have not acted.”
On February 8, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stopped accepting new applications for this assistance, which provides between $35 and $75 to families for internet payments.
“It’s time for Republicans in Congress to join their Democratic colleagues and work to approve funding for this essential program.” “Nearly six million Latinos, families, are participating in this program—nearly six million people.”
These families rely on the internet for various activities, including medical consultations, remote work, and attending classes.
“[The internet] is necessary to participate in school, do your job, access healthcare, and stay connected with loved ones.”
There have been discussions with Republicans, but there is no firm agreement to approve funding through 2024.
Millions More Left Out
Paloma Pérez, Director of Communications for the FCC, noted that in February, applications to join the program were no longer accepted, and considering the number of families needing assistance, about 17 million were left out.
“Columbia University, here in New York, estimated that roughly 40 million families are eligible for this program, but so far, we only have 23 million,” the official acknowledged.
She added that in addition to continuing to assist those enrolled in the program, approving around $6 billion would allow more families to be included.
“We know that if we receive more funding, we can not only support these families currently enrolled but also give other eligible families the opportunity to secure assistance.”
She emphasized that time is running out, as current funds will expire at the end of April, though some companies may offer discounts to beneficiaries, but only through May.
“We have funds through the end of this month, April, but we also know that certain providers have the option to offer a partial discount, below the normal monthly discount, in May,” she acknowledged. “It depends on the provider the consumer has.”
Call to Republicans
Advisor Tom Pérez expressed confidence that progress could be made in reaching an agreement with Republican lawmakers, who, he said, should be concerned about the issue since thousands of people in their districts also receive the assistance.
He even mentioned the case of House Speaker Mike Johnson (Louisiana), from District 4, where over 100,000 families benefit.
“We are talking with Congress every week about the need to continue this program. The Speaker of the House, Speaker Johnson, has many people in his district—over 100,000—participating in this program,” Pérez said. “The program is essential in every part of the United States, so we will continue these discussions.”
A statement was requested from Speaker Johnson’s office but has not been received.
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