Lawmakers Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Close the Homework Gap

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Sen Edward Markey (D-MA), Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Rep Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced the Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed (SUCCESS) Act to build on the Emergency Connectivity Fund created under the American Rescue Plan and provide schools and libraries with $8 billion a year over five years -- for a total of $40 billion -- to continue to provide Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices to students, staff, and library patrons following the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation continues the lawmakers’ efforts to close the homework gap facing 12 to 17 million students in the United States who do not have internet access at home and support distance learning after the pandemic is over. Acting Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission Jessica Rosenworcel applauded Sen Markey, Sen Van Hollen, and Rep Meng for their "leadership and continued commitment to closing the Homework Gap." The SUCCESS Act is also cosponsored by 15 additional senators and 25 House members. A number of public interest organizations endorsed the bill, including the National Education Association, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband Coalition.


Senators Markey, Van Hollen and Rep Meng Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Close the Homework Gap