SUSAN M. COLLINS
MAINE
413 DIRkSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20610-1904
~2021224-2623
(202l224-2693 (FAXl
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WASHINGTON, OC 20510-1904
COMMlTIEES:
HOMELAND SECURITY AND
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ON AGING
June 7, 2010
The Honorable Julius .Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
lh
Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
DearChairman Genachowski:
I am writing to ask the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider carefully
the compensation rates for the Interstate Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) Fund. The
Video Relay Service (VRS) program has a significant impact on Americans living with hearing
disabilities. VRS provides deafAmericans communications options by allowing them to connect
with hearing individuals in real-time through a professional American Sign Language interpreter
via a videophone and a high-speed internet connection.
The FCC is currently considering the rate change submitted by the National Exchange
Carrier Association (NECA). I ask the FCC to carefully weigh these public comments, the
importance ofthe VRS program, and the need to effectively pair compensation to costs
associated with providing this service.
I also ask the FCC to work to improve the oversight, and management ofthe VRS
program to ensure the effective use ofthis fund. I am concerned about the allegations of
fraudulent claims being made to the TRS fund last year. Eliminating fraud and abuse ofthe
reimbursement fund should be a priority for the FCC.
I hope that the FCC will set a fair compensation rate that will keep VRS service available
to deafAmericans.
Sinc rely,
Susan M. Collins
United States Senator
o PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER