Congress is Threatening to Cut Off WiFi Hotspots for Students and Library Patrons
The U.S. Senate is considering S.J. Res. 7, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to fund mobile hotspots for schools and libraries through the E-Rate program.
This program enables public schools and libraries to lend wireless hotspots to students, teachers, and patrons who do not have internet access at home. If passed, S.J. Res. 7 would strip away access to digital learning, telehealth, job searches, and emergency services for millions of Americans. It would even end WiFi on school buses, cutting off kids from valuable homework time.
Access to reliable internet is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, an estimated 9 to 15 million U.S. students still lack home internet access, with low-income and rural communities disproportionately affected. Without a connection, these students face significant barriers to learning, widening the digital divide and limiting their educational opportunities.
Hotspots play a crucial role in supporting education by providing students with the connectivity they need to complete homework, participate in virtual tutoring, access digital textbooks, and engage in online coursework. For many families, a school- or library-provided hotspot is the only way their children can stay engaged with digital learning and keep up with their peers.
Send an email to your Senators now.
Vote NO on S.J.res 7 to keep wifi hotspots available to students and libraries.
Beyond education, hotspots also serve as a lifeline for empowering communities. Public libraries lend these devices to job seekers, veterans, and seniors who rely on internet access for professional development, telehealth appointments, and building digital skills. By offering hotspot lending programs, libraries help level the playing field for individuals who might otherwise struggle to access essential online resources.
Importantly, schools and libraries ensure that safe, filtered access is maintained when lending hotspots. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), these devices are equipped with built-in filtering technologies that block access to harmful content and protect minors. Schools often go beyond CIPA requirements, ensuring that hotspots are strictly used for educational and professional purposes rather than entertainment.
Take Action: Tell Your Senators to Vote NO on S.J. Res. 7! Send an email urging your Senators to protect digital equity and oppose this harmful resolution.