A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".
Senate Passes Resolution to Block FCC Rule Providing Wi-Fi Hotspots for Students
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This resolution seeks to cancel a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that expanded a program called 'E-Rate.' The FCC rule allowed schools and libraries to use federal funds to buy Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet services for students and library visitors to use away from school grounds.
- If this resolution becomes law, schools and libraries would be stopped from using this specific federal money to provide home internet access. This would primarily affect students in low-income or rural areas who do not have reliable internet at home and rely on school-provided equipment to finish their schoolwork.
- The debate centers on the 'homework gap.' Supporters of the FCC rule say it is necessary for modern education, while critics argue the FCC does not have the legal power to spend this money on services used outside of school buildings.
- The Senate has passed this resolution, but it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by the President to take effect. If it becomes law, the FCC would also be banned from passing a similar rule in the future without a new law from Congress.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
This resolution would block an FCC rule that allowed schools and libraries to use E-Rate funds to provide Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet service to students for use at home. Students without reliable home internet — disproportionately those in low-income and rural families — would lose access to a federally funded tool designed to help them complete homework and participate in online learning. An estimated 15-17 million students lack adequate home internet, and this rule was specifically designed to help close that 'homework gap.'
Milestones
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
The House has received the Senate-passed bill and will decide whether to take it up.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 38. Record Vote Number: 238. (text: CR S2813)
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 38. Record Vote Number: 238.
The Senate voted to approve this bill. If the House already passed it, it goes to the President.
Vote Results
2 votesOn the Motion to Proceed
On the Joint Resolution
Related News
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Senate Republicans voted to repeal a Biden-era regulation that allowed telecommunications funds to support take-home Wi-Fi for students. The chamber voted to nullify the 'Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program' rule in a 50-38 party-line vote led by Sen. Ted Cruz.

Senate Rolls Back Biden-Era Internet Hotspot Rule for Students
The Senate voted to roll back a Federal Communications Commission rule that allows schools and libraries to lend wireless hotspots to students off campus. Republicans approved a resolution (S.J. Res 7) to block the regulation, which lead sponsor Sen. Ted Cruz argued violates federal law.

Senate votes to repeal rule allowing Wi-Fi hotspot loans
Senators voted 50-38 on a joint disapproval resolution that would bar public schools and libraries from buying Wi-Fi hotspots for use away from their premises. Opponents, including Sen. Ed Markey, called the decision 'cruel and shortsighted,' warning it would widen the digital divide.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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