Young's Rural Connectivity Bill Passes U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee

Statement

Iowa Congressman David Young's Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act (H.R. 2566) was approved out of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology during a markup today. It will next be considered by the full U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce before it will come before the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

"Many folks across rural America face the disadvantages of phone service that is of poor quality, or doesn't even connect," Congressman Young said. "My bipartisan legislation seeks to fix this problem, and help Iowans and all Americans living in rural areas connect with phone service that is reliable and consistent. I look forward to continuing my work on this important issue, and continue to encourage my colleagues to join me in advancing this bill."

Congressman Young's legislation addresses call quality standards and reliability problems in rural areas by amending the Communications Act of 1934. It requires providers register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and meet quality standards ensuring rural Americans can rely on phone service. It also prohibits providers from using any intermediary routing services not registered with the FCC.

Congressman Young introduced the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act last year alongside his lead cosponsor Congressman Peter Welch (D-VT). Last week, the bill was examined by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, during a hearing entitled "Rural Call Quality and Reliability."

A companion bill has been introduced in the U.S. Senate where it, too, is being considered.

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