Civil Rights Groups’ Letter In Support Of ACP

View a PDF of the letter here.

November 14, 2023

The Honorable Charles E. Schumer
Majority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Mike Johnson
Speaker of the House
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Hakeem Jeffries
Minority Leader
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515

RE: Civil Rights Organizations Demand Congress to Prioritize ACP Funding Before Looming Government Shutdown

Dear Majority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries,

We, the undersigned groups, write to emphasize the dire need for Congress to pass 6 billion dollars in supplemental funding to sustain the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) through the end of 2024. As of October 25, 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration requested Congress to appropriate emergency funding for critical domestic issues, including $6 billion earmarked for ACP to ensure eligible households across the country remain connected online. We strongly urge Congress to prioritize this funding request before the government shuts down as the current ACP fund is expected to deplete in 2024 — depriving over 21 million households of vital internet services in the ever changing digital age.

ACP is a product of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, a historic investment package accomplished by Congress and President Biden to support the American people in more ways than one. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Act recognized the existing digital divide, which continues to disproportionately affect low-income families from rural areas and historically underserved communities. ACP has been monumental in closing the digital divide by alleviating the financial burden associated with high-speed internet costs. Today, eligible households from all districts reap the benefits of affordable, high-speed internet through ACP – connecting Americans to the digital economy, expanding telehealth services, and supporting students in remote learning opportunities.

Without the additional $6 billion, millions of Americans reliant on ACP will lose access to high-speed internet, a fundamental civil right in the 21st century. In an evolving digital ecosystem, low-income and marginalized households in all districts cannot afford this risk. It is imperative and urgent for Congress to take action now to secure ACP funding for 2024 and continue to strategize long-term solutions that establish equitable access to broadband services for all. Pass the $6 billion for ACP today to ensure millions of families do not lose access to the internet.

Yours in the Movement,

Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition

Frankie Miranda
President & CEO
Hispanic Federation

Maya Wiley
President & CEO
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Derrick Johnson
President & CEO
NAACP

Rev Al Sharpton
Founder & President
National Action Network

Marc H. Morial
President & CEO
National Urban League

Janet Murguía
President & CEO
UnidosUS