No longer turning blind eye, U.S. Congress finally moves to get people online amid pandemic

Last night, the U.S. Congress came to agreement on a $900 billion stimulus package that includes funding for a $50 per month emergency broadband benefit for low-income people and for those struggling to stay connected during the pandemic, and a $75 per month benefit for Indigenous populations.

“At long last, the U.S. Congress will move forward with sorely-needed broadband support in its most recent COVID stimulus deal,” said Eric Null, U.S. Policy Manager at Access Now. “This funding could not be more essential as the pandemic continues to rage in the United States, and people urgently need the internet for everything from finding employment to attending school.”

The House and Senate are expected to vote on final passage of the measure today.