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".

House Joint Resolution

H.J.Res. 33

119th Congress

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".

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Dan Crenshaw

Representative

Republican

TX-2

Cosponsors

2

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Summary

This resolution nullifies the FCC rule allowing E-Rate program participants to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots for off-premises use by students and library patrons. The rule was designed to address the homework gap by providing connectivity outside school and library buildings.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution nullifies the FCC rule allowing E-Rate program participants to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots for off-premises use by students and library patrons. The rule was designed to address the homework gap by providing connectivity outside school and library buildings.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<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.  </p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Nullifies FCC E-Rate homework gap rule
Blocks discounted Wi-Fi hotspots for off-premises use
Uses Congressional Review Act disapproval authority
Reverses August 2024 FCC rulemaking
Would eliminate expanded student connectivity program

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Schools and libraries would not be able to use E-Rate subsidies to provide Wi-Fi hotspots for students to use at home. Students in low-income households without home internet access would lose a potential source of educational connectivity.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

33, 119th Congress (2025). "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".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hjres-33