The U.S. Senate has taken a significant step in blocking the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) initiative to distribute Wi-Fi hotspots to schoolchildren. The vote, which occurred along party lines, saw the passage of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at nullifying the FCC’s rule. This rule, issued in July 2,024 by then-FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, proposed expanding the E-Rate program to allow schools and libraries to lend Wi-Fi hotspots and internet services to students. The Senate’s decision, with a 50-38 vote, underscores growing partisan tensions over the digital divide and educational equity. Democrats condemned the resolution, citing its potential to hinder students’ access to homework resources and deepen the digital divide. The resolution now moves to the House, where it must pass before President Trump could sign it into law.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) stated that the resolution would prevent millions of students, educators, and families from accessing online resources. Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) called the Republican move a ‘cruel and shortsighted decision’ that will widen the digital divide. The FCC’s rule was part of an effort to address the ‘homework gap,’ a term used to describe the disparity in internet access between students. The program, intended to begin in funding year 2025, would have provided Wi-Fi hotspots to students in need, enabling them to complete homework and access educational resources outside of school. The resolution’s passage represents a major setback for efforts to bridge this gap, as it could limit access to essential tools for students in low-income areas.
The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to repeal a regulation within 60 days of its issuance. In this case, the resolution was approved after a 53-47 vote on Tuesday, allowing it to proceed to the final vote. The resolution now faces the challenge of gaining support in the Republican-led House, where Speaker Kevin McCarthy has previously expressed skepticism towards expanding broadband access for students. The potential impact on education is profound, particularly for students who rely on school internet access. Without the program, many of these students may face significant barriers in completing their assignments, leading to potential educational disparities. The debate over this resolution highlights broader political and economic tensions around federal funding for educational infrastructure and the role of government in addressing income inequalities in access to technology.