Joseph D.

Morelle Committee on Rules

Committee on Budget
25 District, New York
th
Committee on Education and Labor

Washington Office
1317 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-3615

Rochester Office
3120 Federal Building
Congress of the United States
100 State Street
Rochester, NY 14614
House of Representatives
(585) 232-4850
Washington, DC 20515

August 21, 2020

Dear Secretary Ross,

I am writing to share concerns brought to my office by constituents worried about school

districts’ access to distance learning technology.

Multiple school officials in my community have stated that they are unable to procure tablets and
Chromebooks needed to facilitate distance learning as they prepare for the coming school year,
despite having ordered this equipment months ago.

I am concerned that this will have adverse consequences on American school children and
educators preparing to confront the unique challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The
transition to hybrid and distance learning will be difficult enough for students and educators alike
without the added strain caused by a lack of adequate equipment. We must ensure our schools
have every tool available to create a successful learning environment during this unprecedented
time.

In light of these concerns, I am respectfully requesting answers to the following questions:

• What actions has the Department of Commerce taken to ensure that American schools
retain access to distance learning technology?
• Has the Department taken any actions to help schools adversely impacted by this
situation obtain access to alternate suppliers?
• Why have some shipments of these products been stopped at the border and not others?
• In light of these concerns, what actions does the Department intend to take to mitigate the
adverse impacts of this situation?
I would appreciate a response to these questions by September 1, 2020.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Joseph D. Morelle
Member of Congress