WASHINGTON (AP) — Twenty-three million families in the U.S. will have bigger internet bills starting in May. That’s because a federal broadband subsidy program they’re enrolled in is nearly out of money. Dozens of people joined Biden administration officials, advocates and U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont, at a Washington public library on Tuesday to make a last-ditch plea to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program, a subsidy created by Congress and touted by President Joe Biden as part of his push to bring internet access to every U.S. household. The program, which is set to expire at the end of May, helps people with limited means pay their broadband bills. “They need access to high-speed internet just like they need access to electricity,” Sen. Welch told the gathering. “This is what is required in a modern economy.” |
Commentary: Resumption of ChinaCommentary: Washington should not treat Pacific Islands as its own backyardNewsmakersCommentary: Provocations by the Philippines in South China Sea unwise, futileNew air route links Changsha, MongoliaCommentary: Xizang's remarkable development debunks groundless Western accusationsCommentary: Innovative greening manifests China's environmental preservation driveChina works to promote energy conservation, carbon reduction in construction industryCPC official urges stronger sense of responsibility in united front work to serve modernizationU.S. small yard, high fence strategy will eventually backfire