Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Thune (R-SD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), and Jerry Moran (R-KS) have introduced the Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act (S. 3236), which would direct the FCC, within 120 days of enactment, to conduct a study assessing the need to expand the Universal Service Fund contribution base and submit a report to Congress detailing the results of the study. Furthermore, the Commission would be mandated to complete a rulemaking, within one year of enactment, to reform the USF contribution system. The Commission would be required to consider: (1) the relative equities and burdens on consumers and businesses; (2) the impact of the proposed changes on seniors; and (3) the findings and recommendations in the FCC congressional report.
