FAA bill faces Senate holdup over expiring affordable internet program

EXCLUSIVE — At least two senators are demanding that a program subsidizing high-speed internet for lower-income families be extended as part of the airline safety bill making its way through the Senate.

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) plans to keep the upper chamber from fast-tracking the bill, a five-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration, unless his amendment on the subsidy, known as the Affordable Connectivity Program, gets a vote on the Senate floor. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT), another lead co-sponsor, is also pressing leadership for a funding extension.