[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 178 (Thursday, November 17, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  ENSURING PHONE AND INTERNET ACCESS THROUGH LIFELINE AND AFFORDABLE 
                    CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM ACT OF 2022

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 14, 2022

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4275, the 
``Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable 
Connectivity Program Act of 2022.''
  This bill would increase internet and communications access for low-
income consumers by promoting enrollment in the Lifeline Program and 
Affordable Connectivity Program.
  In today's technological age, internet and phone communications have 
become integral to the ever-growing United States economy and to 
society overall. Having access to the internet is crucial for all 
Americans, whether that be for educational purposes, business usage, or 
contacting friends and family.
  Given the rapid development in the technological sector, one might be 
inclined to believe that high-speed internet access has become even 
more widespread and easily available to all Americans. However, despite 
critical developments in high-speed data, the U.S. Census Bureau has 
indicated that 2.8 million households and 7 million individuals in 
Texas lack broadband access.
  Lack of access to broadband internet has impeded not only Texans, but 
also Americans nationwide from attending classes, filling job forms, 
and seeing healthcare providers. For low-income families, lack of 
internet and communication access acts as an economic barrier, impeding 
opportunities, furthering the socioeconomic gap, and elevating the risk 
of eventual poverty.
  The Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and 
Affordable Connectivity Program Act intends to promote access to 
broadband internet and phone connectivity by proactively providing low-
income Americans the information they need to enroll into either of the 
two programs.
  The Lifeline program helps bring phone service to low-income 
consumers at a heavily discounted price, allowing them to connect with 
family, job opportunities, and emergency services. This bill aims to 
increase enrollment of millions of eligible Americans who suffer from 
financial barriers.
  The Affordable Connective program, like the Lifeline program, helps 
bring fast, reliable internet access to low-income consumers at 
discounted prices. After the COVID-19 pandemic, it is obvious how 
essential online communication has become for modern society to 
function. Providing access to internet allows for low-income 
individuals the freedom to explore more opportunities to develop their 
lives via online education and jobs.
  Furthermore, this bill also plans to provide oversight of the 
enrollment numbers by requiring the Commission to submit annual reports 
to Congress with enrollment statistics for both programs.
  Finally, the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and 
Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022 requires that the 
Comptroller General submit annual reports identifying outreach 
initiatives that aim to increase awareness of both programs so that 
potential beneficiaries will take advantage of them.
  With this data, Congress can look to refine and expand both programs, 
creating innovative ways to circumvent lack of internet and phone 
access.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my fellow Members of Congress to support this 
bill that is dedicated to the principles of equity and opportunity for 
all Americans.
  Since internet access and phone connectivity are crucial for success 
and advancement in today's society, we must ensure that everyone is 
aware of resources that provide these services at subsidized prices, so 
that, ultimately, internet and phone access are available to everyone.

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