Read first time 01/24/24.Referred to Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology.

TO THE HONORABLE JOSEPH R. BIDEN, JR., PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED:

We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

WHEREAS, Washington affirms its commitment to supporting an extension of the affordable connectivity program (ACP), which provides our citizens with access to affordable broadband services; and

WHEREAS, Congress assigned the federal communications commission to administer the ACP, the successor program to the emergency broadband benefit, which helped almost 9,000,000 households afford internet access during the pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Under the ACP, eligible households can receive up to $30 per month discount toward internet services and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands; and

WHEREAS, Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers; and

WHEREAS, Over 340,000 citizens of the State of Washington are benefiting from the affordable connectivity program, and are at risk of losing internet service in 2024 if Congress does not fund an extension of the program; and

WHEREAS, Where broadband is available, the ACP allows subscribers to afford internet speeds and devices sufficient for key online activities, such as at-home learning, health care, banking, and public services; and

WHEREAS, Where broadband is not available, the ACP incentivizes the deployment of new broadband infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, The ACP is a critical program for Washington citizens, in concurrence with funds the state is receiving to build and improve broadband infrastructure, provide devices to those who lack them, and promote the adoption of technology among our least connected communities; and

WHEREAS, The ACP serves as an essential catalyst for Washington's economic growth, workforce development, and innovation, allowing the ACP to end would be a great disservice to Washingtonians who rely on the program to access vital online services and resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully urge and request the Congress of the United States to support continued funding of the ACP so that low-income households in the State of Washington can continue to receive the support they need to participate in the digital marketplace.

BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.