# What This Bill Does

Congress is trying to block a new Federal Communications Commission rule about internet access for students who don't have it at home. The FCC had created a program to help close what's called the "homework gap"—the problem where millions of kids can't do their schoolwork because they lack reliable internet access. This bill would reject that FCC rule and prevent it from taking effect.

The FCC's rule would have expanded the E-Rate program, which is a decades-old system that helps schools and libraries get discounted internet service. Under the FCC's new approach, the program would have been able to help more students get connected at home so they could complete assignments outside of school. The bill essentially says "no, we don't want this expansion to happen."

**Who this affects:** Primarily students without home internet access, their families, schools, and libraries. If this bill passes, these groups would lose a potential new source of funding to bridge the digital divide. Teachers might also be affected since they wouldn't have as much assurance that all their students could access online assignments. The bill could also impact internet service providers who might have benefited from the expanded program.

**The practical impact:** If Congress passes this bill, students in rural areas and low-income communities who struggle to access the internet would have fewer resources available to help them get online. Schools and libraries would continue operating under the old E-Rate rules without the expanded funding mechanism the FCC had proposed. Essentially, the homework gap would likely remain a significant problem for millions of American students.

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".

Fulcher, Russ

<p>This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission titled <em>Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program</em> and published on August 20, 2024. The rule permits schools and libraries participating in the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program (E-Rate) to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and associated mobile connectivity service for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Under the rule, E-Rate participants must implement acceptable use policies that require hotspots to be used primarily for educational purposes. &nbsp;</p>