This afternoon, Senator Luján (D-NM) introduced an amendment to the FAA bill with Senators Welch (D-VT), Vance (R-OH), Wicker (R-MS), Rosen (D-NV), and Daines (R-MT) that would provide $6 billion to ACP and $3.08 billion to the “Rip and Replace” program.

The amendment also includes several reforms to the ACP program and a “pay for” provided via a three-year spectrum auction reauthorization that directs the FCC to auction spectrum that should be uncontroversial.

The following statement can be attributed to David B. Dowart, Chairman of the National Lifeline Association (NaLA):

“The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) thanks Senators Luján, Welch, Vance, Wicker, Rosen, and Daines for their amendment to the FAA bill that would fund and reform the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Internet access in our digital era is absolutely essential, particularly for seniors, rural communities, and veterans who participate in and depend on the ACP every day to connect to telehealth, education, jobs, and community. This is a critically important amendment and we urge Congress to include this amendment in the must-pass FAA reauthorization.”