Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4275) to provide for certain reports on enrollment in the Lifeline program, and for other purposes, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 4275

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. REPORTS ON ENROLLMENT IN CERTAIN PROGRAMS.

(a) Annual Report on Enrollment in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs Through Qualifying Programs.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 2 calendar years after the calendar year during which the first report is submitted under this subsection, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on--

(1) enrollment in the Lifeline program by individuals participating in each of the Lifeline qualifying programs, broken out by each of the Lifeline qualifying programs, to the extent the Commission holds or has access to the necessary data relating to such enrollment; and

(2) enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program by individuals participating in each of the Affordable Connectivity Program qualifying programs, broken out by each of the Affordable Connectivity Program qualifying programs, to the extent the Commission holds or has access to the necessary data relating to such enrollment.

(b) GAO Study and Report on Efforts To Promote Enrollment in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress identifying outreach and publicity efforts to promote participation and enrollment in the Lifeline program and, separately, the Affordable Connectivity Program.

(c) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Affordable connectivity program qualifying program.-- The term ``Affordable Connectivity Program qualifying program'' means the programs set forth in paragraphs (1), (3), (4), and (6) of section 54.1800(j) of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission.

(3) Lifeline qualifying program.--The term ``Lifeline qualifying program'' means the programs set forth in subsections (a)(2) and (b) of section 54.409 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4275, the Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022.

Congress has long recognized the critical importance of ensuring that everyone in this country can access basic communication tools. Indeed, this body wisely included as a cornerstone of the Communications Act the directive that rapid, efficient, and nationwide communications service must be available to ``all people of the United States, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.'' The Communications Act also said that all Americans must have access to adequate facilities and reasonable charges.

There are two programs, the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, that play a critical role in helping us advance these long- held, universal service goals. They move us closer to closing the digital divide by allowing millions of American families across the country to fit high-speed broadband internet access into their budgets.

Both programs are effectively targeted to families that need the help most, including those who are eligible for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, and the Veterans and Survivors Pension benefit.

As we all know too well, a broadband connection is necessary to participate in our modern economy and society. Families without broadband are left without equal educational, career, healthcare, and economic opportunities compared to those with this essential service.

Continuing to strengthen these programs and make them more efficient and accessible not only benefits those who sign up but all Americans. That is why I support this bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Luria and Katko. It provides us with more transparency into these programs and can help us better identify opportunities to maximize their support.

I commend Ranking Member Rodgers and Representative Latta for working with me to advance this legislation on a bipartisan basis. It advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously in July by a vote of 48-0.

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Mr. PALLONE. 4275.

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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