Chairman Pai's Response to Members of Congress Regarding Universal Service Fund Cap

Back in July 2019, 14 Members of Congress wrote to the Federal Communications Commission with concerns about the proposed rule "Universal Service Contribution Methodology" and urging the Commission not to establish an overall cap for the Universal Service Fund (USF) or combine the cap of any USF programs, consistent with the recent unanimous vote in the House of Representatives. On December 2, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai wrote back saying the Commission launched the proceeding "mindful of our obligation to safeguard the USF funds ultimately paid by consumers, and to ensure that these important programs are funded appropriately." He noted that the proceeding proposes an overall annual budget of $11.42 billion, a figure more than $3 billion greater than current USF program disbursements and one that would be adjusted for inflation.