[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 69 (Friday, April 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

  (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advocate not only for 
Virgin Islanders, but for all American families who risk losing access 
to affordable high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, 
a key component of President Biden's bipartisan infrastructure law, has 
been critical to bridging the digital divide, providing over 23 million 
households nationwide significant savings on their monthly internet 
bills. In the Virgin Islands alone, this program benefits over 6,000 
households, representing one in every six homes across our territory.
  Through this initiative, Virgin Islands' families maintain access to 
education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Yet, this crucial 
lifeline hangs in the balance.
  To my Republican colleagues, we, once again, call on the majority to 
provide additional funding through the Affordable Connectivity Program. 
For the sake of our children, our economy, and our future, we must 
ensure that every household remains connected.

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