The White House says the program, overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, helps current users save over $500 million per month on their internet bills. The $6 billion in additional government funding would extend the program through December 2024, the official said. "Congress should act swiftly to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program and prevent more than 21 million households from losing access to affordable, high-speed internet," said White House National Economic Council director Lael Brainard in a statement to Reuters. Internet service providers say there are about 27 million additional U.S. households that are eligible but are not yet enrolled. Verizon (VZ.N), Comcast (CMCSA.O) and AT&T (T.N) have all called for Congress to extend the program that could run out of money by March.

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Persons: Mike Segar, Lael Brainard, David Shepardson Organizations: Sabey Data, REUTERS, Rights, Reuters Wednesday, Federal Communications Commission, Program, White, National Economic, Verizon, Comcast, Thomson Locations: Intergate.Manhattan, Manhattan, New York