AFPI Statement in Support of the FCC’s E-Rate NPRM

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following statement from Alexandra Caro Campana, executive vice president & chief operating officer, and Joel Thayer, senior fellow of AI & Emerging Technology in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Ensuring Children’s Safe Use of Screens and E-Rate-Funded Services:

“AFPI applauds and urges the Commission to adopt this proposed rule at its June 25, 2026, Open Meeting. Chairman Carr is asking the right question: is a program built for 1997 still serving children in 2026? The answer requires a clear-eyed reckoning.

E-Rate was created to connect schools and libraries to the internet. That mission made sense. But it was never meant to put unsupervised, internet-connected devices in every child’s hands all day, every day. Yet that is exactly where we are. The evidence is mounting: excessive screen use is linked to lower academic performance, disrupted sleep, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and social isolation. The Surgeon General has warned us. Parents have warned us. Federal policy must catch up.

It is also unacceptable that taxpayer-funded devices too often become gateways to pornography, graphic violence, and predatory actors despite existing legal safeguards. This undermines the protections laid out in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). However, CIPA is only as strong as its enforcement. The NPRM’s call for a serious review of CIPA compliance is overdue, and AFPI strongly supports it.

American families deserve technology that protects children, supports learning, and strengthens healthy development. This NPRM asks the right questions at the right time. We urge the Commission to move forward and look forward to participating in this proceeding on behalf of America’s parents and children.”