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| Press Release |
Wendy Mann
703.351.2148 |
05/12/06 |
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Coalition to Keep America Connected Applauds Achieving 51st Co-Sponsor for S.241
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Washington, D.C., May 12, 2006 -- In a rare moment that demonstrates overwhelming commitment to the universal service program, the Senate Commerce Committee recently secured its 51st co-sponsor for S.241, legislation that would permanently exempt the Universal Service Fund (USF) from the Antideficiency Act (ADA). S. 241 was first introduced on Feb. 1, 2005, by Sens. Snowe (R-Maine), Rockefeller (D-W.V.), Stevens (R-Alaska) and Inouye (D-Hawaii). The coalition urges the committee to move this critical legislation out of committee and pass it into law before year end.
The coalition recognizes the support of the Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) for sending letters to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Ranking Member Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) urging the Commerce Committee to move the legislation toward passage by the full Senate. We believe that investment in the rural telecommunications infrastructure has been hindered by the proposed application of ADA accounting standards on the USF, Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative Senior Vice President Lawrence Zawalick stated. The coalition concurs with RTFC that the bureaucratic cloud hanging over the USF program is spreading to the financial sector, which is affecting the availability of capital for all telecommunications providers.
Click here to view the letters. (PDF)
### The Coalition to Keep America Connected is dedicated to ensuring that all consumers have access to affordable telecommunications services and the latest technologies-no matter where they live. The effort is organized by four rural telecom associations, whose memberships include 700 small and midsize communications companies. Together these companies serve millions of consumers and 40% of the landmass across America. Visit us at www.keepamericaconnected.org. |
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