Member of Congress
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manqington, ilQt 20515
May 27, 2010
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
Thank you for your excellent leadership ofthe Federal Communications Commission. This is a
vital area ofconcern for our country's economy. Today, we are writing regarding the
Commission's proposed changes to the compensation rates for the Interstate
Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund for providers ofVideo Relay Service (VRS).
As you know, VRS is a crucial service that allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to make
calls in American Sign Language to other individuals through videophones - without having to
rely on typed text, which can be slower and more cumbersome to use. VRS technology has
revolutionized communications for deafindividuals across the country, and this is the kind of
innovation that we believe must receive continued support. This is an invaluable service to
hundreds ofdeafindividuals in our home state ofMaine, and VRS providers account for many
quality jobs in Maine and across the country.
We understand that the Commission must strike a balance between compensating these providers
adequately for the essential service that they provide, and remaining fiscally responsible and
maintaining accountability for the funds they disburse. As you consider the rate changes, we
urge you to maintain a commitment to preserving VRS and implement a long-term rate structure
that is fair and consistent, so that deaf individuals in Maine and across the country can continue
to access this important service.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you and the Commission on
this and other important issues.
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Member of Congress
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