Pallone, Welch Criticize Shift of USF Fund Account to US Treasury
House Commerce Committee ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., and Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., criticized Thursday the FCC's move this week to advance the federal USF fund shift to the U.S. Treasury. Changes to the program's contribution and distribution processes happened…
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Tuesday, drawing criticism from FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel (see 1804300063). Pallone and Welch sought a GAO review in January of the effects of the FCC's plan (see 1801100059). “We were dismayed to learn from press reports that Chairman Pai unilaterally pressed forward with this plan that will cost recipients tens of millions of dollars a year without the benefit of GAO’s further analysis, without telling his fellow Commissioners, without input from the millions of Americans who depend on these funds, and without notifying Congress,” the lawmakers said in a statement. “Unfortunately, this action is just the latest evidence of Chairman Pai’s casual disregard for the public’s input and determined avoidance of Congressional oversight.”