On Tuesday, December 6, 2016, the House will likely consider H.Res. ___, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all students should have access to the digital tools necessary to further their education and compete in the 21st century economy, under suspension of the Rules. H.Res. ____ was introduced on December 5, 2016, by Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
H.Res. _____ resolves that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that all students should have access to the digital tools necessary to further their education and compete in the 21st century economy.
There are roughly 5 million households with school-age-children in the United States that do not have high-speed internet access at home and fall into what is known as the “homework gap.” These students and families in low income, minority households and or rural areas face problems accessing internet because of either financial burdens, location issues, or countless other problems.
H. Res. ___ resolves that the United States should be leading in access to high quality education and opportunity for students. According to the bill sponsor, “participation in the classroom can be improved if students are equipped with the tools to complete their homework. Students will also be more comfortable using technology in the classroom if they are able to practice learning with the same tools outside of the classroom as well. Students have received lower grades because of their inability to complete their assignments without internet access in their homes.”
A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate is currently not available.
For questions or further information please contact John Huston with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 6-5539.
