Senate Passes Resolution to Block FCC Rule Providing Wi-Fi Hotspots for Students
The House must act next: House consideration.
No action since May 2025
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
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.'
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.
On the Motion to Proceed
On the Joint Resolution
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.
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.
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.
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".
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