Tina Smith: “President, I rise today to shine a spotlight on one of the most lopsided and unfair programs in the Federal Government…”

“President, I rise today to shine a spotlight on one of the most lopsided and unfair programs in the Federal Government, and to reintroduce legislation to correct it. Every year, the Federal Government collects millions of dollars in ``universal service'' surcharges on telephone bills. In part, this money is intended to be used to provide, affordable telephone service in isolated, rural areas--a goal we all support. Unfortunately, instead of sending these funds equitably to rural areas throughout the United States, many residents in 40 States-- including some of the most rural States in the country--receive no support from this program, while a few States receive enormous windfalls. In 2005, about 75 percent of a key universal service fund account is projected to go to just three States and a single State will receive more than half of the funding provided by this program. All of this continues the pattern of lopsided funding distribution seen in recent years. I am referring to the Federal Universal Service Fund program for so-called ``non-rural carriers.'' This is a ridiculous misnomer because more than 70 percent of all rural Americans are served by one of 30 so-called ``non-rural'' carriers. If you live in a small, isolated town or rural area, you are likely served by one these carriers, and chances are your community is receiving none of the benefits of this program. The calls to fix this program have been growing louder and louder.…”