Lawmakers Prep Bill To Overhaul Massive USF Program

[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Reps. Lee Terry (R-Nebraska) and Rick Boucher (D-VA) plan to introduce comprehensive legislation in late February overhauling the $7.1 billion universal service fund, one of several congressional efforts to revamp the massive federal program designed to lower phone costs in rural and low-income areas. The legislation's success hinges on House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX), who repeatedly has criticized the fund and suggested it should be downsized or scrapped. Rep Terry said Chairman Barton has softened his critiques and pledged to address universal service after completing action on another telecom bill. "Joe Barton is a very practical committee chairman," Boucher said, adding that the Texan "has a terrific ability to find the center line."
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-FSIV1138822560275.html
For more on the bill see: http://www.benton.org/index.php?q=node/849