OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – As of today, full funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has expired, forcing nearly 350,000 Oklahoma families to pay higher monthly internet bills.

The ACP is a product of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides a discount for monthly internet bills for families who are struggling with rising costs.

While there is a bipartisan bill to replenish funding for the ACP, Rep. Stephanie Bice has refused to sign on. Even worse, Bice is a member of the Republican Study Committee, which has called for sunsetting the ACP and raising costs for thousands of Oklahomans.

A 2021 study showed that just a 10% increase in broadband access could have added 875,000 jobs and increased economic output by $186 billion. The end of the ACP is not only a setback for today; it hinders Oklahoma’s long-term economic growth and job creation.

In response, Madison Horn, candidate for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, said in a statement:

“With the program’s expiration, our children’s ability to access educational resources and compete in a digital world is at serious risk. If we let the ACP disappear, it’s not just about paying more—it’s about denying our kids the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.”

“The impact here in Oklahoma is severe. We’re among the top beneficiaries of this program, and losing it could be a huge blow. Yet, despite the obvious crisis, Representative Stephanie Bice has chosen to ignore the critical needs of Oklahomans by not supporting an extension of the ACP. It appears she prioritizes short-term political points over genuine solutions that could significantly benefit our community. This oversight isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a clear neglect of our families and their futures.”

“Now is the time for action. Republicans and Democrats must come together to pass a bill that would get our kids and families back online.”