What’s Next After the Senate Passed the CRA Resolution on Hotspot Funding?

On Thursday, May 8, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 7, a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution that would overturn the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to allow schools and libraries to use E-rate funds for Wi-Fi hotspot lending.

This policy, approved by the FCC in 2024, was designed to help schools and libraries lend out Wi-Fi hotspots, providing essential connectivity to students completing homework, families accessing telehealth, and job seekers navigating an increasingly digital world.

The Senate vote represents a serious setback for efforts to close the digital divide. But the fight is not over. The resolution now moves to the House of Representatives as H.J.Res. 33 is up for consideration, and SHLB and its members remain committed to protecting broadband access for anchor institutions and the communities they serve.

Just before the vote, SHLB’s Executive Director, Joey Wender, joined Senator Ed Markey, Senator Ben Ray Luján, Democratic Leader Schumer, Lisa Varga of the American Library Association, David Schuler of the AASA, The School Superintendents Association and Regina Bell of the Washington Teachers Union, and at a press conference highlighting the devastating consequences this resolution could have for students, patients, and library users nationwide. Watch Joey’s remarks here.

What is the CRA, and Why Does This Matter?

The Congressional Review Act allows Congress to review and overturn rules issued by federal agencies within a limited period of time after the rule is finalized. Unfortunately, the hotspots order could be subject to the CRA.  

Now that the Senate has passed the resolution, the House of Representatives may bring it to the floor for a vote. If passed by the House, the resolution would move to the President’s desk, where he can sign it. If the President signs the resolution, the agency’s rule is nullified. And importantly, the agency is prohibited from issuing a rule that is “substantially the same” in the future.

This makes the CRA a powerful tool with long-term consequences. In the case of S.J. Res. 7, it would not only repeal the FCC’s hotspot lending decision but could also block future efforts to reinstate similar policies.

What Happens Next?

Now that the Senate has passed the resolution, it moves to the House of Representatives. The timing for House consideration is uncertain—it could be brought up for a vote in the coming days or weeks, depending on when House leadership schedules it. House leadership can also choose not to bring the resolution to the floor for a vote.  

This window presents a critical opportunity for continued advocacy.

What SHLB and Supporters Can Do Now

SHLB and our allies are not backing down. Here’s how we will continue the fight in the House:

Engage with House Members

SHLB will continue direct outreach to House offices, urging Representatives to both oppose even bringing the resolution up for a vote, and if a vote is scheduled, to vote no on S.J. Res. 7 and preserve the FCC’s decision to allow hotspot lending through the E-rate program. 

You can help by contacting your Representative, especially if you live in a district where schools and libraries depend on hotspot access, and encouraging others in your network to do the same.

Mobilize the Coalition

SHLB and 31 other organizations previously signed a joint letter to the Senate opposing the resolution. We will continue to build momentum by coordinating outreach among coalition members and meeting with key Congressional offices to share our concerns.

Amplify Community Voices

Stories from students, educators, and librarians bring the real-world impact of this resolution to life. If your institution or community has benefited from E-rate-supported hotspot lending, we encourage you to share those stories with lawmakers and the media.

Educate and Inform

SHLB will continue to provide timely updates and resources to help our members and allies advocate effectively in the lead-up to a House vote.

This Isn’t Over

The Senate vote was disappointing, but not definitive. The House still has the opportunity to stop this harmful resolution and preserve the FCC’s hotspot policy. With continued advocacy and collective action, we believe it is possible to protect the future of broadband access for schools, libraries, and the communities they serve.

SHLB will remain at the forefront of this effort, and we invite you to stand with us.

To stay informed or get involved, visit shlb.org and follow our updates on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, or X.