Statement of Rep. John Dingell.
Re: FCC Schools and Libraries Corp.
Date: June 12, 1998.
Source: House Commerce Committee, Democrats.

Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell
Ranking Democrat, House Commerce Committee
On The Federal Communications Commission "e-rate"

Chairman Kennard's recognition that the FCC has made a mistake in its implementation of the e-rate program is encouraging but may not be enough.

I strongly support the e-rate and want to save it, but I am not sure that making a smaller illegal program out of a large illegal program serves that purpose. The plain language of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 does not authorize any corporation or grant-giving bureaucracy to fund the purchase of hardware or equipment. The statute only authorizes a discount program to assist schools and libraries in gaining access to "advanced telecommunications and information services." The Commission would forbid the funds to be used to buy personal computers, but would allow them to be spent to install and maintain high-speed computer networks, including "routers, hubs, network file servers and wireless LANS" in schools and libraries. Network file servers have been described as personal computers, only more expensive.

If the FCC is serious about this matter, I would be happy to work on legislation to make this program a legal one that functions according to law.