House Commerce Committee Hopes for E-rate Boost in COVID Bill

On Feb 11, the House Commerce Committee will mark up portions of the pandemic relief package falling within its jurisdiction. And lawmakers may fold in provisions aimed at boosting a key Federal Communications Commission subsidy program to help students, a top priority for lawmakers anxious about the online learning gap. “We’re going to hopefully address E-Rate,” said Committee Chairman Pallone. “The committee’s top priority, really, is to combat and crush the virus.” But Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) says Democrats shouldn’t rush to mark up without first negotiating across the aisle.