The Conservative Case for the Affordable Connectivity Program

Fireside Chat Featuring

Mike O’Rielly, Strategic Advisor and Advocate, MPORielly and Former FCC Commissioner

TBD

Panel Discussion Featuring

[Moderator] Shane Tews, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute 

Jonathan Cannon, Policy Counsel, Technology and Innovation, R Street Institute  

Edward Longe, PhD, Director, Center for Technology and Innovation, James Madison Institute 

Jeffrey Westling, Director, Technology and Innovation Policy, American Action Forum

Overview

Over the last 20 years or so, the federal government has invested over $200 billion in efforts to bridge the digital divide. With more than 120 programs in place, the digital divide should be a distant memory. Yet it persists, and millions of Americans remain disconnected from the benefits of broadband. However, there is a bright spot among these broadband programs—one broadband program to rule them all. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a smart, flexible, tech-neutral program that makes broadband more accessible. Congress and the Biden administration understand the importance of closing the digital divide and should prioritize it to ensure that Americans reap the economic and social benefits of connectivity. At its current pace, the ACP may run out of funding by early- to mid-2024. Additional funding from Congress is required to ensure the program continues.

We invite you to join us for a panel discussion on ACP’s success and how we can ensure efficiency and fiscal responsibility while eliminating the potential for waste, fraud and abuse. Reception to follow. 

This event has been designed to conform with House and Senate ethics rules.