1002
H. MORGAN GRIFFITH 
9TH DISTRICT, VIRGINIA 
COMMITTEE ON 
ENERGY AND COMMERCE 
SUBCOMMITTEES: 
ENERGY 
HEALTH 
OVERSIGHT A NO INVESTIGATIONS 
VICE CHAIR 
www.morgangriffith.house.gov 
The Honorable Ajit Pai 
~ongress of tbe Wniteb ~tates 
rt>ouge of l\epregentattbeg 
~a5'bington, jDqc 20515-4609 
November 15, 2017 
Federal Communications Commission 
445 lih Street SW 
Washington, D.C. 20554 
Dear Chairman Pai: 
2202 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 
WASHINGTON, DC 20515 
(202) 225-3861 PHONE 
(202) 225-0076 FAX 
323 WEST MAIN STREET 
ABINGDON, VA 24210 
(276) 525-1405 PHONE 
(276) 525-1444 FAX 
17 WEST MAIN STREET 
CHRISTIANSBURG, VA 24073 
(540) 381-5671 PHONE 
(540) 381-5675 FAX 
Received & Inspected 
NOV 21 2017 
FCC Mailroom 
Thank you for your commitment to making investments in our nation's infrastructure and 
broadband connectivity. I am writing to express support for the Universal Service Program for 
Schools and Libraries, commonly known as E-Rate. 
In the 21st Century, high-speed internet is an essential service for homes, businesses, and schools 
alike. Unfortunately, many rural Americans still lack sufficient broadband infrastructure to take 
advantage of the benefits connectivity provides. Funding for programs such as E-Rate helps to 
bridge the digital divide that separates rural communities like those in Southwest Virginia from 
the rest of the country. 
In line with the long-established Universal Service Fund model, the E-Rate program provides 
annual funds to public libraries and K-12 public and private schools to assist in providing access 
to broadband connectivity and robust internal WI-FL Reliable internet access provides 
advantages to students including distance learning, online assessments, and web-based 
homework, among others. 
It is my understanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may be considering 
cuts to E-Rate Category Two funding. I am concerned that cuts to this funding would reverse 
positive steps taken to ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed. E-Rate is critical 
to providing students the advantages new information technologies provide. With the foregoing 
in mind, I ask that you continue your support for E-Rate and the connectivity services it supplies. 
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to continuing to work with you to ensure that 
students have the skills and experiences necessary to be successful in the future. 
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