Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ) led Democratic members of Congress 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. 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. 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 (D-NJ), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Herb Conaway (D-NJ), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Nellie Pou (D-NJ), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). Read the full letter here.

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