Senate, House Lawmakers Reintroduce Call Completion Bill
Senate and House lawmakers reintroduced the Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act, which would address call completion problems. The measure cleared the House last Congress but stalled on the Senate floor amid concerns about the renomination of then-FCC Commissioner…
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Jessica Rosenworcel. “I’ll keep working to strengthen rural communications and make sure all Americans can stay connected regardless of where they live,” said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who introduced the bill. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., is a co-sponsor and called himself a “strong supporter.” Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., also is a co-sponsor. Rep. Dave Young, R-Iowa, introduced the House companion, with the backing of Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt. This legislation is one of those that Thune told us may be part of a package of bills that could advance this year, potentially in a roll call vote on the floor (see 1701040067). The reintroduction "is another important step in the long road to resolving call quality and reliability issues that have plagued rural Americans for years," NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield said. WTA "members and their customers have been dealing with this issue for far too long," said Vice President-Government Affairs Derrick Owens, backing the bill. "This bill should be adopted," said NARUC President Robert Powelson.