Matsui Statement on FCC Order to Reform Lifeline Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 31, 2012

CONTACT: ALANA JUTEAU
(202) 225-7163

Matsui Statement on FCC Order to Reform Lifeline Program
Applauds FCC for Initiating a Broadband Lifeline Pilot Program, As Laid Out in Her Legislation First Introduced in 2009

Today, in response to FCC's vote to reform and modernize the Lifeline program, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) released the following statement:

"I applaud the FCC's vote today to bring the USF Lifeline Assistance program into the 21st century, and commend Chairman Genachowski for leading on this critical issue. In addition to reforming the program to save an estimated $2 billion in the coming years, the FCC has also committed today to establishing a broadband adoption pilot program. This is an initiative I have been advocating for since I first introduced legislation in 2009 to expand the Lifeline program for universal broadband adoption, and I am very pleased that this will soon become a reality.

"Expansion of the Lifeline program to broadband will enable low-income households to have access to affordable broadband services and connect with the increasingly digital American economy. I will continue to campaign for the FCC to fully expand the Lifeline program to broadband in order to help close our nation's digital divide, and commend the FCC for taking the first step by setting up this pilot program.

"In addition, I am also happy to see that the FCC will be exploring ways to expand digital literacy training at schools and libraries. We must give every American the tools they need to succeed, and more and more, basic computer and Internet literacy is one of the most important skills. Our nation's anchor institutions play a critical role in our communities and this initiative will help ensure that Americans have greater familiarity with and access to broadband services moving forward.

"As this Order takes effect, I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Genachowski and the FCC on modernizing the USF program to the benefit of all Americans."

Congresswoman Matsui is a member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Her legislation, the Broadband Affordability Act of 2011, would follow the Lifeline program model in order to provide affordable in-home Internet to low-income Americans. It is the basis for the FCC's pilot program announced today.

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