The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has publicly thanked the congressional members responsible for introducing the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Extension Act. This proposed legislation would allocate $7 billion to the ACP, a program that currently provides discounted high-speed Internet access to over 22 million households.

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the ACLU, voiced her support in a press release: "The Affordable Connectivity Program has proved to be so necessary that it is facing a funding cliff. But, the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act could stop families from falling off. We are grateful to the bill sponsors for looking out for families in need."

According to a joint press release issued by U.S. Representatives Yvette Clarke and Brian Fitzpatrick and Senators Peter Welch and J.D. Vance—the lawmakers who introduced this legislation—the Federal Communications Commission-administered ACP will deplete its funds by April 2024 without additional financial support. The press release further detailed that the ACP offers a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service, with residents on tribal lands eligible for a monthly discount of up to $75. The program has been utilized by more than 800,000 veterans, one million college students, 3.1 million families with a K-12 student receiving free or reduced-price lunch, and 5 million seniors.

Leventoff further emphasized the importance of affordable internet access in her statement: "The internet is no longer optional—it’s essential. Without broadband, our local communities cannot access opportunities in education and employment, nor speak out online and exercise their First Amendment rights. Households who struggle to afford broadband shouldn’t have to sacrifice other necessities to stay connected."