S.J.Res. 7 · Where this bill is now
In the House
Passed the Senate May 8, 2025. Received May 9, 2025; no House vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryBlocks FCC rule on school Wi-Fi hotspots
This joint resolution cancels a new Federal Communications Commission rule that would let schools and libraries use E-Rate funds (a program that provides discounted internet services) to buy Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile service for students and library visitors to use at home. Schools and libraries would have to set rules making sure the hotspots are used mainly for schoolwork.
How it affects you
Students, school staff, and library patrons who were going to get access to discounted Wi-Fi hotspots for home use would lose that option if this resolution passes. Schools and libraries would no longer be able to spend E-Rate money on this equipment and service.
Read the official summary (Introduced in Senate, Jan 27, 2025)
This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission titled Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program 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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionS.J.Res. 7
JOINT RESOLUTION
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".
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) · Introduced Jan 27, 2025 · Science, Technology, Communications · 3 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action May 9, 2025: “Held at the desk.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsSenate · On the Joint Resolution · May 8, 2025
Joint Resolution Passed 50–38
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 0 | 36 | 9 |
| Independents | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Republicans | 50 | 0 | 3 |
Source: senate.gov · roll call 238
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 3 official versions.