Lawmakers Abandon Talks On Universal Service Bill

[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: David Hatch]
Negotiations between Sens. Conrad Burns (R-MT)and John (Jay) Rockefeller (D-WV) over reforming the Universal Service Fund have collapsed. The two powerful lawmakers had been collaborating for six months to draft a USF bill that might form the foundation of legislation envisioned by Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens. But the bipartisan alliance dissolved early this week. Sen Burns introduced the bill without any co-sponsors. The impasse involving two of the program's strongest advocates highlights the complexities of reaching consensus on revamping the $7.1 billion federal program for subsidizing communications services in rural and low-income areas. Until now, industry observers thought USF legislation would face challenges only in the lower chamber, where House Commerce Chairman Joe Barton often criticizes the fund. Sources said the senators failed to agree on several matters pertaining to carrier contributions and distributions. "We're not able to bridge the goals of the respective constituencies," said a spokesman to Rockefeller. Sen Burns is actively seeking co-sponsors and is open to further discussions with Sen Rockefeller, a source said.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-DYXQ1139516193803.html

* Burns launches USF initiative
http://telephonyonline.com/regulatory/news/burns_usf_initiative_020906/

* USTelecom Encouraged by New Proposal to Reform Universal Service
http://www.ustelecom.org/news_releases.php?urh=home.news.nr2006_0209