Letter

Excerpt: "As the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, the availability of broadband service is a critical driver of the economy, distance learning, and telehealth services. Given the pivotal role that private communications networks serve in connecting Americans, we must ensure that the FCC has the tools it needs to facilitate efficiently the deployment of these networks. The FCC currently spends about $8 billion dollars per year to support universal service of advanced telecommunications services, much of which supports broadband deployment to unserved areas.1 Closing the digital divide and promoting broadband deployment...

Excerpt: “We write to urge you to hold a hearing to examine ways to close the digital divide so that all Americans may experience the economic, educational, and health care benefits that access to broadband service provides. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need for connectivity, as millions of Americans transition to working remotely. Children need broadband to be able to do their schoolwork from home.  Some Americans who do not have access to reliable broadband connections travel to the nearest parking lot to be able to connect to...

Excerpt: “We are concerned that the delay in disbursing funds from the for Medicaid-dependent providers could result in long term financial hardship for providers who serve some of our most vulnerable populations,” the bipartisan Committee leaders wrote. “It could also severely hamper their ability to continue to serve as essential providers amid the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We write regarding the need for a dedicated distribution from the PHSSEF for providers who rely on Medicaid and to share our serious concerns with the ongoing delay of funding.”

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Excerpt: “In addition to the massive property damage caused by the dam’s failure, flooding of contaminated sites and chemical facilities — including one containing a federally-regulated nuclear research reactor — in Midland, Michigan threatened public health and the environment. As you know, the Edenville project and its operator, Boyce Hydro, have a long history of dam safety and compliance problems. Prior to issuing the order, the Commission engaged in a multi-year effort to bring Boyce Hydro into compliance with FERC’s dam safety requirements. We are concerned that three...