Working Group Seeks Comments on USF Fund
The Senate’s USF Working Group (Working Group) has reconvened to discuss possible Universal Service program reform.
The Working Group is requesting comment on program effectiveness, possible reforms to both the contributions methodology and the programs, and changes to USAC. Comments are due September 15, 2025, and can be filed here. Please let us know if we can assist you in drafting comments.The Working Group is led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chair and Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, who are joined by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Jackie Rosen (D-NV).
The working group seeks comment on the following:
Effectiveness of Programs:
- How should Congress evaluate the effectiveness of each USF program in achieving their respective missions to uphold universal service?
- How well has each USF program fulfilled Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1996?
- Has the FCC adequately assessed each USF program against consistent metrics for performance and advancement of universal service?
Consideration of Reforms:
- What reforms within the four existing USF programs would most improve their transparency, accountability, cost-effectiveness, administration, and role supporting universal service?
- What reforms would ensure that the USF contribution factor is sufficient to preserve universal service?
- What reforms would reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in each of the four USF programs?
- What actions would improve coordination and efficiency among USF programs and other FCC programs, as well as broadband programs housed at other federal agencies?
- For any recommendations on reforms, does the Commission currently have the feasibility and authority to make such changes?
- Is the USF administrator, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), sufficiently accountable and transparent? Is USAC’s role in need of reform?
