Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act to expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing. This bill would allow families living in HUD-assisted housing, whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch, to use federal assistance on broadband internet access.
Currently, families who live in HUD-assisted housing receive financial assistance for utility bills like electricity and gas. This legislation would expand what utilities are permissible, allowing families to use this assistance on basic broadband internet.
The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Stephen Lynch (D-MA).
—Office of congressman Bill Foster