Millions of low-income households are facing the risk of losing a crucial government subsidy that provides them with affordable internet access. The $30 to $75 per month subsidy, part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), is set to expire at the end of May, leaving approximately 23 million Americans without this essential service.

Walter Prescher, a Methodist pastor in rural Texas and a former Army veteran who served three tours in Iraq, is among those who could be affected by the expiration of the subsidy. Prescher, a father of 12 grown children with nine still at home, emphasized the importance of the subsidy in supporting his family's budget.

Besides financial assistance, the ACP also plays a significant role in improving internet connectivity for low-income households. For Prescher's family, it eliminated long hours of waiting for homework completion by cutting the time it took for his children to access online resources.

The positive impact of the ACP is not limited to Prescher's family alone. Prescher, in his work with the nonprofit organization Easter Seals in the Greater Houston area, has witnessed firsthand how the program has enabled individuals, including veterans, to pursue education, find employment opportunities, and access telehealth services.

Recognizing the vital role played by the ACP, a group of bipartisan lawmakers, led by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), is working towards the passage of the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act. This bill aims to extend the ACP until the end of the year, providing lawmakers with an opportunity to reform and enhance the program.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), who is spearheading the push alongside Clarke, emphasized the growing importance of broadband internet access in a digitally driven world. Fitzpatrick highlighted the significant number of military veterans among the ACP recipients, asserting that their access to telehealth services would be severely impacted if the program expires.

Fitzpatrick called upon his fellow Republicans to support the legislation, underscoring the fact that leaving behind a million veterans on the healthcare front would be detrimental. With 206 House Democratic co-sponsors and 24 Republicans already on board, there is optimism about the bill's success.

Efforts to save the ACP have also garnered support from the White House and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Both entities are actively lobbying Congress to extend funding for the program before the end of May.

The stakes are high as May 1 marks the beginning of the final month that Affordable Connectivity Program households will receive any benefit on their internet bills. Without immediate congressional action, millions of Americans face the prospect of increased internet bills or even losing access altogether.

As the deadline looms, policymakers and advocates alike remain hopeful that bipartisan support will prevail, ensuring that millions of Americans can continue to rely on affordable internet access through the ACP.