Bipartisan Amendment to FAA Reauthorization Includes Critically Needed Funding for Broadband Access

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mattie Goldman, [email protected]

The Center for Civil Rights and Technology applauds efforts to provide temporary funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure quality and affordable broadband access across the United States

WASHINGTON — Koustubh “K.J.” Bagchi, vice president of the Center for Civil Rights and Technology, issued the following statement applauding the amendment from Senators Luján (D-NM), Daines (R-MT), Welch (D-VT), Vance (R-OH), Rosen (D-NV), and Wicker (R-MS), including a provision for $6 billion in funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program:

“The Center for Civil Rights and Technology commends the amendment from Senators Luján, Daines, Welch, Vance, Rosen, and Wicker that provides $6 billion in funding for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Lack of high-speed internet access among low-income people, communities of color, and other marginalized communities is concerning, especially at a time when millions need the internet to further their education, earn a living, and access essential goods and services. The strength and continuation of the ACP is essential to our mission to ensure digital equity. With the number of days ticking down for ACP solvency, the Center believes this is the only viable path forward to ensuring more than 23 million families are not disconnected. The Center also urges lawmakers to secure permanent funding for this critical program.”

In September 2023, The Leadership Conference Education Fund announced the launch of the Center for Civil Rights and Technology to serve as a hub for advocacy, education, and research at the intersection of civil rights and technology policy. Our experts dive into the most pressing policy issues in three key areas: AI and privacy, voting and platform accountability, and broadband access. The Center recently held a convening titled “Regulatory Code: AI, Civil Rights, and the Future of Democracy” and created an advisory council made up of civil society and academic leaders.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

The Leadership Conference Education Fund builds public will for federal and state policies that promote and protect the civil and human rights of all persons in the United States. The Education Fund’s campaigns empower and mobilize advocates around the country to push for progressive change in the United States. It was founded in 1969 as the education and research arm of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. For more information on The Education Fund, visit civilrights.org/edfund/.

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