Dear Chairman Genachowski:
The Honorable Julius Genachowski, Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
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Washington, DC 20554-0005
i
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ZACHWAMP
UNITED STATES CONGRESS
THIRD DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
May 18,2010
SUBCOMMlifEES:
APPROPRIATiONS COMMITTEE
ENERGY AND WATER
MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND
VETERANS'AFFAIRS
RANKING MEMBER
J am writing to express my concern about the Federal Communication Commission's proposal to
significantly reduce funding for Video Relay Service (VRS). The Americans with Disabilities
Act directs the Commission to ensure deafand hard ofhearing individuals nationwide have
access to "functionally equivalent" telecommunications services. VRS broadband service
providers across the nation have provided the deafand hard ofhearing access to basic
communication services we take for granted. From routine to emergency calls, VRS is the most
functionally equivalent service available to individuals who use American Sign Language and is
often.described as life-changing.
0'
r recently J:l1et with employees ofa local firm, Sorenson Communications, a Tier I provider of
VRS. They are concerned about the Commission's proposal to shift from the highly successful
long-term "incentive-based compensation" method to a "cost plus" method. According to
Sorensen, the proposed method does not account for the actual costs ofproviding VRS and will
result in a sharp reduction in the VRS rate, threatening the company's ability to provide this
service. This methodology is comparable to considering tuition as the sole cost ofa college
education without regard to books, housing, meals, and other basic necessities.
As you set the course for VRS, I urge you to carry out your responsibilities under the ADA to
promote efficiency, improved technology, nationwide access and functional equivalence for the
deafand hard ofhearing. I ask you to adopt a rate that is equitable while encouraging the
innovation and advancement that have made VRS the preferred method ofcommunication for
the deaf.
Warmest regards,
;if:;
Member ofCongress
ZW/kbs
Cc: Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker
http://www,house.gov/wamp/
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