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  "description": "State grants would support program outreach and enrollment.",
  "path": "/bill-introduced-to-expand-enrollment-of-lifeline-program/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-01T15:40:18.000Z",
  "site": "https://broadbandbreakfast.com",
  "tags": [
    "Promoting Access to Broadband Act",
    "but are not enrolled",
    "Learn more about the Broadband Community...",
    "Start Your Broadband Journey Here",
    "in a statement",
    "Lifeline program faces scrutiny"
  ],
  "textContent": "WASHINGTON, May 1, 2026 – Legislation to expand enrollment in a federal subsidy program for low-income households was introduced Wednesday.\n\nThe Promoting Access to Broadband Act, introduced as H.R.8576 and S.4438, would require the Federal Communications Commission to create a competitive grant program to help states boost participation in the Lifeline program.\n\nThe bills’ sponsors Rep. **Robin Kelly** , D-Ill., and Sen. **Dick Durbin** , D-Ill, are targeting a persistent gap: millions of Americans qualify for Lifeline subsidies but are not enrolled.\n\nLearn more about the Broadband Community...\n\n\n                            Start Your Broadband Journey Here\n                        \n\n“Access to affordable and reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” Durbin said in a statement. “For many families, the cost of internet access is just too high.” He said the act would “increase awareness and enrollment in the FCC’s Lifeline program, giving more Americans access to the internet.”\n\n“The Lifeline program can alleviate some of the burden and cover internet costs for families,” Kelly said. “I’m proud to introduce this bill… to help families cut through the red tape and increase enrollment in the Lifeline program.”\n\nAccording to the lawmakers, as many as 25 million Americans lack broadband access, while 27 percent of users struggle to afford service.\n\nParticipation in Lifeline remains low. The Universal Service Administrative Company estimates about 22 percent of eligible households nationwide are enrolled, including about 14 percent in Illinois.\n\nThe legislation would fund state-led outreach to close that gap. At least 25 percent of states would receive grants, with the FCC prioritizing applications based on need, reach, and geographic diversity.\n\nStates could use funds for outreach, application assistance, and partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations.\n\nThe legislation also comes as the Lifeline program faces scrutiny within the FCC. Commissioner **Anna Gomez** on Monday called the $9.25 monthly subsidy “measly,” saying it has not kept pace with rising costs.\n\nThe bill would require the FCC to report to Congress within one year on the program’s effectiveness.\n\nTo qualify, households must earn at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines or participate in programs such as Medicaid or SNAP.\n\nSens. **Alex Padilla** , D-Calif., **Richard Blumenthal** , D-Conn.,**Ed Markey** , D-Mass., **Amy Klobuchar** , D-Minn., and **Tammy Duckworth** , D-Ill., co-sponsored the bill.\n\nGroups including the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, Public Knowledge, Third Way and the American Civil Liberties Union support the legislation.",
  "title": "Bill Introduced to Expand Enrollment of Lifeline Program",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-21T21:49:58.881Z"
}