The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), represented by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, filed suit in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeking to reinstate the Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program that was halted after the administration’s policy shift.
NDIA asserts the decision violates the separation of powers and that the Department of Commerce did not have authority to cancel grants, including one awarded to NDIA in March to support the Digital Navigator+ (DN+) program.
The DN+ program would have extended digital navigator services across 11 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington.
NDIA notes the Digital Equity Act was enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and had bipartisan support; 65 projects were named for Digital Equity Act Competitive Grant Program awards before funding was halted. Proponents argued the program would deliver essential resources—employment support, healthcare access, and education—to millions of Americans.
NDIA executive director Angela Siefer called the lawsuit an “extraordinary step,” insisting the Digital Equity Act is not unconstitutional or racist and that thousands could benefit from the DN+ program and related grants if funding is reinstated. The lawsuit also references public statements made by former President Donald Trump about the act and its funding.
