FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Heidi Heitkamp United States Senate 110 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Heitkamp: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Mazie K. Hirono United States Senate 330 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hirono: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, I - I I Il V Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bob Casey United States Senate 393 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Casey: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, tAv'1 o Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Sherrod Brown United States Senate 713 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Brown: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Angus King United States Senate 133 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator King: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the colmectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, 0T vi cAJ u FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tina Smith United States Senate 309 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Smith: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, oaT Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Michael Bennet United States Senate 261 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Bennet: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIHMAN The Honorable John Hoeven United States Senate 338 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hoeven: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, (J AjitV.Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Dan Sullivan United States Senate 702 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Sullivan: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RI-IC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Lisa Murkowski United States Senate 709 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Murkowski: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the colmectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito United States Senate 172 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Capito: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RI-IC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Susan Collins United States Senate 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Collins: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Roy Blunt United States Senate 260 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Blunt: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RI-IC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, vi Ajit V. Pal FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tammy Baldwin United States Senate 717 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Baldwin: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or S 171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RUC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Claire McCaskill United States Senate 730 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator McCaskill: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, 'I tkV o Ajit V.Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Thomas R. Carper United States Senate 513 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Carper: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. 1 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jeanne Shaheen United States Senate 506 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Shaheen: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Amy Kiobuchar United States Senate 302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Kiobuchar: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RUC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Debbie Stabenow United States Senate 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Stabenow: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, I' V Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Gary Peters United States Senate 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Peters: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or 171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Martin Heinrich United States Senate 303 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Heinrich: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Chris Van Hollen United States Senate B4OC Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Van Hollen: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy United States Senate 437 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Leahy: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, - IviI Il AjitV.Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Jon Tester United States Senate 311 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Tester: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHIC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, (1 vI \i6A/ Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senate 478 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Gillibrand: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Maggie Hassan United States Senate B85 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Hassan: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. /1 Sincerely, c/La: Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin United States Senate 509 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Cardin: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Tom Udall United States Senate 531 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Udall: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Doug Jones United States Senate 326 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Jones: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Joe Donnelly United States Senate 720 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Donnelly: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely, Ajit V. Pai FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF June 15, 2018 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Catherine Cortez Masto United States Senate B4OA Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Senator Cortez Masto: Thank you for your letter expressing support for the Federal Communications Commission's efforts to strengthen the Rural Health Care (RHC) Program and improve access to telehealth in rural America. As the son of two doctors in rural Kansas, I understand the critical role that broadband plays in providing patients in rural areas with high-quality health care services. And as Chairman, I've seen the potential of telemedicine firsthand, from a Veterans Affairs facility in rural Lecanto, Florida to Augusta Health in relatively rural Staunton, Virginia. That's why I have circulated a draft Report and Order to my colleagues that would take immediate action to increase funding for rural hospitals and health clinics by 43%, or $171 million per year. This significant increase-alongside future inflation adjustments and a mechanism to carry forward unused funding from previous years-will ensure that rural health care providers get the connectivity they need to better serve patients for years to come. I hope that my colleagues will support this order soon. In addition, we must always ensure that scarce federal funds are being well spent. That's why Commission staff are taking a hard look at eliminating any waste, fraud, and abuse within the RHC program. After all, every dollar misspent by an unscrupulous service provider is a dollar that can't offset the costs that doctors and nurses incur serving some of the most vulnerable patients in America. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue these efforts later this year. I appreciate your continued interest in this matter. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Sincerely,