November 18, 2021 – Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) have introduced the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021 (S.3236).[1] If passed, the bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF). The legislation is co-sponsored by Senators John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS).

First, the bill directs the FCC to “conduct a study assessing the need to expand the contribution base of the [USF] to ensure that the contribution requirement under section 254(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(d)) is imposed fairly and equitably,” and report the findings to Congress.

Second, the bill requires the FCC, not later than one year after enactment, to “complete a rulemaking to reform the contribution system of the [USF], including by expanding the contribution base of the [USF].” As part of that rulemaking, the bill requires the FCC to consider the following:

The relative equities and burdens of the proposed changes to the contribution system of the USF with respect to consumers and businesses;

The impact of the proposed changes to the contribution system of the USF on seniors; and

The findings and recommendations in the FCC’s Congressional report on the need to expand the USF contribution base that is required by the first section of the legislation.

The bill has been referred to the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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[1] Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021, S.3236, 117th Cong., 1st Sess. (introduced Nov. 18, 2021), https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/3236/text.