Press Release of Rep. Tom Bliley.
Re: Universal Service Support for Schools and Libraries Program.
Date: June 12, 1998.
Source:  House Commerce Committee.

House Committee on Commerce
News Release

Bliley Trashes FCC Decision
Hopes to Save Program

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Chairman Tom Bliley of the House Commerce Committee had the following reaction to the Federal Communications Commission’s decision on the schools and libraries program reached on Friday:

"The FCC blew it. Thanks to that agency and Vice President Gore, the American people -- including less fortunate Americans -- are stuck with higher phone rates. The Telecommunications Act called for lower phone rates, not the ‘Gore Tax’.

"There is a right way and a wrong way to implement the schools and libraries discount program passed by Congress. The FCC has chosen the wrong way. If the courts strike down this illegal program, schools may be left holding the bag.

"Members on both sides of the aisle are very unhappy with this decision. I still hope we can achieve the goal of these programs and will work with all interested parties. But today’s announcement was not a good one."