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.
Expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing so eligible students can use federal housing assistance for internet access.
Occurrences
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.
Evidence
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GovInfo lists H.R. 9144 as the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026, sponsored by Bill Foster, with the full title: "To include reasonable costs for high-speed internet service in the utility allowances for families residing in public housing, and for other purposes." The listed action is introduction and referral to the House Committee on Financial Services on June 4, 2026.
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Foster's office said he introduced the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act to expand broadband access for low-income families in HUD-assisted housing, allowing families whose children qualify for free or reduced lunch to use federal assistance on broadband internet access.
Assessments
Foster introduced H.R. 9144, the Closing the Digital Divide for Students Act of 2026, which directly matches the promise by allowing reasonable high-speed internet costs in utility allowances for families in public housing. The bill was introduced and referred to the House Financial Services Committee on June 4, 2026, but there is no evidence it has passed, become law, or been implemented by HUD. Because Foster remains in federal office and the bill is pending rather than defeated, the promise is not delivered but remains unresolved, with credit for a serious same-term legislative effort.