Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Nov 2022): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
H.R. 4275 would require federal reporting on two programs that help people afford phone and internet service: the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. It directs the Federal Communications Commission to submit an annual report to Congress, for three years, breaking down enrollment in each program by the specific qualifying programs (such as government assistance programs) that make people eligible. It also requires the Comptroller General, within one year, to report to Congress on outreach and publicity efforts used to promote enrollment in the Lifeline program and, separately, the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The bill primarily affects the FCC and the Government Accountability Office, which would take on new reporting duties, and indirectly affects low-income consumers who rely on these subsidy programs, since the reports are intended to give Congress more information about how well eligible people are being reached and enrolled. It does not change eligibility rules, funding levels, or program benefits itself.
The bill was introduced in June 2021 and passed the House on November 17, 2022, under a suspension-of-the-rules procedure alongside several other bills. It was never taken up or passed by the Senate before the end of the 117th Congress, so it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Ensuring Phone and Internet Access Through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program Act of 2022
This bill requires reporting on enrollment in the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The Lifeline program is designed to reduce the cost of communications services for low-income consumers, and the Affordable Connectivity Program subsidizes the cost of broadband internet for low-income households. Both programs allow participants to qualify for assistance based on their participation in particular federal assistance programs (e.g., Medicaid or Federal Public Housing Assistance).
The Federal Communications Commission must report on enrollment in both programs, including the number of participants who qualify through each of the particular federal assistance programs.
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on outreach and publicity efforts to promote participation in the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Timeline
17 Nov 2022
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4275 do?
- H.R. 4275 would require federal reporting on two programs that help people afford phone and internet service: the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. It directs the Federal Communications Commission to submit an annual report to Congress, for three years, breaking down enrollment in each program by the specific qualifying programs (such as government assistance programs) that make people eligible. It also requires the Comptroller General, within one year, to report to Congress on outreach and publicity efforts used to promote enrollment in the Lifeline program and, separately, the Affordable Connectivity Program. The bill primarily affects the FCC and the Government Accountability Office, which would take on new reporting duties, and indirectly affects low-income consumers who rely on these subsidy programs, since the reports are intended to give Congress more information about how well eligible people are being reached and enrolled. It does not change eligibility rules, funding levels, or program benefits itself. The bill was introduced in June 2021 and passed the House on November 17, 2022, under a suspension-of-the-rules procedure alongside several other bills. It was never taken up or passed by the Senate before the end of the 117th Congress, so it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 4275 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4275. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4275?
- H.R. 4275 was sponsored by Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2] (D-VA), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4275?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (17 Nov 2022).
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