Subcommittee: The State of Universal Service
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media and Broadband, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “The State of Universal Service” on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM ET. The Universal Service Fund (USF) supports the expansion of telecommunications through four programs: the High Cost Program, Lifeline, E-Rate and the Rural Health Care Program. Demand for connectivity in all aspects of American life continues to grow, and it is essential to consider the current state of the USF to ensure it meets the needs of Americans today and in the future. This hearing will examine the need for connectivity in rural and insular areas, for health professionals in providing telemedicine and telehealth, for low-income households that otherwise could not afford internet access and for access to broadband in our nation’s schools and libraries. The hearing will also explore potential reforms to ensure its effectiveness in the years to come.