Democrats Downsize Planned FCC Pandemic Boost

Senate Democrats aren’t setting aside quite as much money as their House counterparts for Federal Communications Commission online learning efforts, according to the latest legislative text for the $1.9 trillion pandemic aid package. Although House Democrats had wanted $7.6 billion in FCC funding, the Senate version includes just $7.17 billion. Senators are gearing up for final votes on the bill soon. Democrats say the FCC needs this money to help schools and libraries buy devices like Wi-Fi hotspots to help students participate in remote learning. Republicans had bashed the provision, saying schools should reopen and that connectivity subsidies could be better spent elsewhere. Though it's not clear why the Senate tweaked the amount of money allocated, the amended Senate version would allow local COVID-19 recovery aid to support broadband infrastructure investments.