Menendez, NJ Lawmakers Push to Restore Internet Access Funding

Representative Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and eight other New Jersey Democrats are demanding that the federal government restore funding for programs intended to help seniors, veterans, low-income families, and people with disabilities get online.

The lawmakers sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after the Trump Administration canceled $2.75 billion in funding for the Digital Equity Act. The program, created in 2021, was designed to help people access affordable internet, learn digital skills, and get devices like computers and tablets. New Jersey was set to receive more than $18 million from this funding.

“Continued technological advancements make the internet a vital tool to participate in the modern economy,” Menendez said. “For seniors, low-income households, veterans, and those with disabilities, Digital Equity Act funding was crucial.”

The funding was intended to support internet training in schools and libraries, increase telehealth access for seniors, supply devices to eligible individuals, and improve broadband availability for residents.

In 2024, federal officials approved New Jersey’s state digital equity plan, making it eligible for more than $18?million to put the plan into action. But in May 2025, President Trump announced the cancellation of the funding on Truth Social, calling it “unconstitutional” and “a racist and illegal $2.5 billion dollar giveaway.” Shortly after, the Commerce Department halted all payments to states.