JOHN A, YARMUTH
MEMBER OF CONGRESS
3RD DISTRICT, KENTUCKY
COMMITIEE ON
WAYS AND MEANS
SUBCOMMITTEE:
SELECT REVENUE MEASURES
SUBCOMMITTEE:
SOCIAL SECURITY
COMMITIEE ON THE BUDGET
SENIOR WHIP
Qrongress of tite Nnitell §tates
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llIas4iugtou. m<n 20515-1703
May 28, 2010
435 CANNON HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-5401
FAX (202) 225-5776
ROMANO MAZZOLI FEDERAL BUILDING
600 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PLACE, SUITE 216
LOUISVILLE, KY 40202
(502)582-5129
FAX (5021 582-5897
SOUTHWEST GOVERNMENT CENTER
7219 DIXIE HIGHWAY
LOUISVILLE, KY 40258
(502) 933-5863
FAX (502) 935-6934
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 li
h
Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
As the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in the process of considering rates for
Video Relay Service (VRS), I am writing to emphasize the importance of this service to the deaf
community.
Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the FCC to ensure that interstate
and intrastate telecommunications relay services are available, to the extent possible and in the
most efficient manner, to hearing impaired and speech impaired individuals. VRS allows people
who are deaf and hard of hearing to COlU1ect instantly to the world and, communicate in their own
language, providing what most of the deaf community considers the most functionally equivalent
form of relay service currently available.
That is why I urge the Commission to adopt a VRS rate that is fair, predictable, and accounts for
the actual costs of providing the service - including the east of customer equipment and
installation and future innovation. In addition, the Commission should continue its careful
management and oversight to preserve the VRS program to ensure ASL users have access to
adequate and efficient communication services.
Thank you for your attention to this important maller.
Sincerely,
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