Media Contact: Shiva Goel, (202) 418-2500 shiva.goel@fcc.gov COMMISSIONER STARKS STATEMENT ON THE FIFTH CIRCUIT DECISION UPHOLDING THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND WASHINGTON, March 24, 2023—FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks issued the following statement about the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit’s decision in Consumers’ Research v. FCC released today upholding the constitutionality of the FCC’s Universal Service Fund: “I’m pleased that the Fifth Circuit agreed with what I and many others—including bipartisan members of Congress—have said about the Universal Service Fund. It is constitutional, both in concept and implementation. The Universal Service Fund continues to connect rural communities, schools, libraries, healthcare providers, and low-income households all across the country. It is a vital program for bringing equal opportunity to all Americans and closing the digital divide.” ### Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500 ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275 Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).