Ted Cruz urges White House to halt $1.25B in ‘digital equity’ funds
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is raising concerns about the Biden administration’s $1.25 billion “Digital Equity” program, citing its use of race-based criteria as unconstitutional in expanding broadband access. In a letter to Alan Davidson, the assistant secretary of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Cruz called for the program to be halted, stating that NTIA’s approach does not serve a compelling governmental interest.
The Republican backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is gaining momentum as the incoming Trump administration prepares to take office. Under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, initiatives like the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program could be scrutinized as potential government waste.
Cruz criticized NTIA’s guidance for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, accusing it of violating the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. He argued that the program lacks evidence of racial discrimination in internet access and fails to provide clear metrics for its race-based criteria. The program, authorized by President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, is the third digital equity program established by the act.
According to Cruz, the program requires grant applicants to prioritize “Covered Populations,” which explicitly includes racial and ethnic minorities. He contended that this approach constitutes impermissible racial discrimination, as the federal government cannot use racial classifications without demonstrating a compelling interest and employing narrowly tailored measures.
The letter from Cruz also pointed out that the program fails to define “minority,” making it impossible to determine if it is underinclusive or overinclusive. He emphasized that the program does not provide evidence of discrimination faced by racial minorities in accessing the internet.
As the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, Cruz urged the NTIA to respond by December 12, either by withdrawing the guidance or providing a detailed explanation of how it aligns with constitutional requirements.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the NTIA for comment on the matter. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
