SJRES 7: 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".

SJRES 7 in plain English: This joint resolution would nullify a Federal Communications Commission rule that allows schools and libraries in the E-Rate program to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile data service for students, staff, and library patrons to use off-premises. If passed, schools and libraries would no longer be permitted to use E-Rate funding for home or off-site internet access devices under that rule.

Stated purpose

This resolution disapproves and cancels a Federal Communications Commission rule that allowed schools and libraries to use E-Rate program funds to provide Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile internet service for students, staff, and patrons to use outside of school and library buildings.

Key points

• Cancels an FCC rule published August 20, 2024, using congressional disapproval authority
• Would block schools and libraries from using E-Rate discounts to buy Wi-Fi hotspots for off-premises use
• Would prevent E-Rate-funded mobile connectivity service for students, staff, and library patrons outside school buildings
• The nullified rule had required hotspots to be used primarily for educational purposes under acceptable use policies

Arguments supporters make

• The FCC rule expanded E-Rate beyond its original purpose of connecting schools and libraries, and Congress — not an agency — should decide whether to broaden the program that way.
• Allowing hotspots to be taken home makes it harder to ensure the funds are used for educational purposes and opens the program to waste and misuse.
• The E-Rate fund has limited resources, and spending on home internet competes with funding direct improvements to school and library network infrastructure.

Arguments opponents make

• Many students cannot complete homework or access online learning without home internet, and this rule directly addressed that gap in a targeted, education-focused way.
• The rule required acceptable use policies to keep hotspots focused on education, so concerns about misuse were already built into the program's design.
• Blocking the rule removes a concrete tool for closing the digital divide without offering any replacement for students who lack home connectivity.

Tradeoffs

Canceling the rule keeps E-Rate spending focused on physical school and library buildings, but leaves students without home internet with fewer options for completing schoolwork; keeping the rule extends internet access to homes but expands the program beyond its original on-premises scope.

Current status in Congress: Passed Senate.

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