Fischer, Colleagues Request FCC Briefing on Universal Service Fund

Today, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC9) and Doris Matsui (D-CA7), sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requesting a briefing to provide insight on the implementation of Congress’ universal service directives and help inform the Working Group’s leadership to modernize the Fund.
Fischer, Luján, Hudson, and Matsui
announced
the reconstitution of the Universal Service Fund Working Group in June.
Full text of the letter is
here
and below.
Dear Chairman Carr, Commissioner Gomez, and Commissioner Trusty:
The bicameral, bipartisan Universal Service Fund Working Group continues to consider next steps on modernizing, strengthening, and sustaining universal service. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research decision that upheld the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund (USF) this past summer, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have been hard at work discussing how best to update the USF programs. It is more essential than ever that we stay aligned on ensuring that the enduring mission of universal service will be fulfilled in the 21
st
century.
This fall, our USF Working Group fielded a new slate of comments from a variety of stakeholders on possible reforms to USF programs, and the Working Group is actively reviewing those recommendations. We take this responsibility seriously, recognizing the vital role that USF programs play in ensuring that households, schools, libraries, health care providers, and rural communities across the nation have access to essential communications services.
As Congress weighs and debates options to reform the USF, the Commission has valuable insights on the implementation of Congress’ universal service directives. Given ongoing discussions about the Fund’s stability, contribution methodology, and long-term policy direction, it is important for our offices to receive updated information directly from Commission staff.
Specifically, we request a staff-level briefing covering:
The most recent program outlays and cost projections across each USF program;
Assessment of the USF contribution factor and recent fluctuations;
Rulemakings or reforms of USF programs under consideration by the Commission; and
Any administrative challenges, program integrity concerns, or operational updates pertinent to congressional oversight of the Fund.
Please have the appropriate Commission personnel coordinate a convenient time for the briefing no later than January 30, 2026.
Thank you for your attention to this request and for the Commission’s continued work to advance universal service and keep all Americans connected. We look forward to the briefing and continued collaboration on this matter.