Press Releases

Today, Reps. Bergman, Neguse, and a group of bipartisan lawmakers unveiled new legislation to expand access to universal broadband.

H.R. 6314, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act would direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to improve funding mechanisms for the Universal Service Fund (USF), expanding access to broadband and other telecommunications services.

This legislation builds on Rep. Bergman’s efforts to require Big Tech companies to finance rural broadband programs through H.R.4905, the Big Tech Accountability for Broadband Act.

You can read more here.

“The way the federal government funds its largest broadband program is outdated. We need to modernize the USF so we can expand highspeed broadband to all who lack it, and not pay for it on the backs of seniors and working families,” said Rep. Jack Bergman.

“To fully participate in the modern era, small business owners, students, families, and workers in rural communities require consistent, reliable broadband connectivity,” said Rep. Joe Neguse. “Our bill, the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act, will ensure our federal agencies are utilizing all tools at their disposal to expand access to broadband and other telecommunications services, to connect our communities.”

Background:

The FCC’s Universal Service Fund (USF) finances roughly $9 billion worth of broadband support for rural areas, telehealth, schools and libraries, and low-income households each year.

The USF is replenished by FCC fees on telecommunications carriers, which are usually passed on to their customers through phone bills.

The bill, which is also cosponsored by Reps.  Lizzie Fletcher, Diana DeGette, Angie Craig, and Kat Cammack, is the companion to Senate legislation originally introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD).