Stevens Introduces Legislation to Protect Rural Telephone Service

STEVENS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT RURAL TELEPHONE SERVICE
[SOURCE: US Senate Commerce Committee press release]
On Thursday, Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee introduced the Universal Service for Americans Act (USA). The bill (S. 101) will update the nation’s universal service laws. The measure will ensure that all communications technologies are incorporated into our nation’s universal service program and that rural America is not left behind in the communications revolution. This legislation expands the list of communications providers that will contribute to the fund. Under current law, long distance companies pay the bulk of the cost. In addition to updating universal service, the bill includes measures to ensure the long-term integrity of the program with improved auditing requirements. The legislation mirrors Title II of the bipartisan Senate Communications bill that passed the Committee last summer.
http://commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=248710&Month=1&Year=2007

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*Stevens Expected To Get Co-Chair Title
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable, AUTHOR: John Eggerton]
According to the communications director for the now Democrat-controlled Senate Commerce Committee, Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) will likely be made co-chairman of the committee.
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6404336.html?display=Breaking+News