Menendez Leads NJ Members in Calling on Commerce Department to Restore Vital Funding for Digital Equity Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Representative Rob Menendez (NJ-08) led Democratic members of Congress from New Jersey in demanding that Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick immediately reverse harmful cuts to Digital Equity Act Programs that ensure low-income households, veterans, seniors, and other vulnerable Americans are able to fully participate in the modern economy.
In a letter sent today, Menendez and eight members of the New Jersey delegation demanded that the Commerce Department restore $2.75 billion in funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”), more than $20 million of which was expected to benefit New Jersey communities.
“Continued technological advancements make the internet a vital tool to participate in the modern economy. But this is only possible if we close the digital divide and ensure that everyone across the country has equitable access to all available resources,” said Representative Menendez. “For seniors, low-income households, veterans, and those with disabilities, Digital Equity Act funding was crucial, providing them with the skills, technology, and equipment to fully harness the capability of the internet. It’s simply wrong that the Trump Administration would eliminate this funding, and my colleagues and I are demanding that they immediately reverse course.”
The IIJA, passed in 2021, appropriated $2.75 billion for the Digital Equity Act of 2021. In 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved and recommended more than $18 million for New Jersey to implement its state digital equity plan. The state would have been eligible for an additional $5 million through grant programs. In May 2025, the Trump Administration announced the cancellation of the entire funding appropriated for the Digital Equity Act.
Funding from the Digital Equity Act provided increased access to digital literacy and skills training in public schools and libraries, expanded telehealth access for seniors, workforce education, device distribution, and educational initiatives that improve broadband adoption for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
In addition to Menendez, the letter was signed by Reps. Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Herb Conaway (NJ-03), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), Nellie Pou (NJ-09), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).
For full text of the letter, click here.
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