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Chair calls for reexamination of Universal Service Fund to ensure long-term sustainability
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Summary
The subcommittee chair said the Universal Service Fund helps bring broadband to rural and low-income communities, noted the Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality, and urged Congress to revisit what USF supports and how it is funded to ensure sustainability.
The chair told the Energy and Commerce oversight hearing he is part of a bipartisan, bicameral Universal Service Fund working group and described the fund's role "support[ing] broadband access to high cost rural areas to schools and libraries, rural health centers, and low income households." He said the Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of the USF and called for Congress to reexamine the program's scope and funding mechanism to ensure long-term viability.
"A sustainable USF is essential to ensuring all Americans have access to affordable reliable broadband," the chair said, and added he looks forward to discussing ways to make the fund viable for future generations. The opening remarks did not include legislative text or a specific reform proposal.
The chair framed USF reform as a congressional responsibility given the FCC's role in administering the fund and asked for discussion about which programs USF should support and how the fund should be financed going forward.
