*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 44492.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS December 6, 2004 David Fiske: 202- 418- 0513 CHAIRMAN POWELL ISSUES STATEMENT CONCERNING UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell issued the following statement regarding Congressional consideration of several important telecommunications provisions: “I understand that Congress is close to moving on a package of telecommunications provisions— namely a spectrum relocation trust fund, an exemption to the Anti- Deficiency Act, and E911 legislation. The trust fund legislation is a vital step to release valuable spectrum for wireless broadband services. Similarly, the E911 provisions provide critical resources to America’s first responders. “USAC recently filed its projections of demand and total contribution base for the first quarter of 2005 for the universal service support mechanism. These filings demonstrate that the temporary Anti- Deficiency Act exemption is necessary to mitigate unnecessary increases to our contribution factor as well as to ensure our school children have continued access to computer resources. I hope that Congress is able to pass this legislation before adjourning.” -FCC- 1