The chairman announced he would bar nine edtech companies from providing broadband services to low-income households through the FCC's Lifeline program.

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote to expand Lifeline on March 31, which would help families get broadband subsidies.

Jessica Rosenworcel appeared alongside Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., during the announcement of the legislation. She has been an outspoken advocate for kids who don't have Internet access.

The new program, unveiled Wednesday, will reach 275,000 low-income households in 27 cities and help students access the Internet at home.

The rewrite, currently being debated in the Senate, includes 29 amendments. One would create a grant program to engage kids online outside of school.

Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., have added their voices to the growing chorus of supporters for increased broadband access for kids.

In a 3-2 vote, the FCC decided on Thursday to modernize the Lifeline program to allow low-income Americans to qualify for discount broadband service.

The Federal Communications Commission will vote whether to adopt new principles that could pave the way for broadband access in millions of low-income homes.

Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel wants to update a federal program started in 1985 to allow families to choose discounts for broadband over phone service.