STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MIGNON L. CLYBURN Re: High-Cost Universal Service Support, WC Docket No. 05-337; Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, CC Docket No. 96-45. If there is one familiar refrain heard in the halls of the Commission, as well as in the halls of Congress, it is that the Universal Service Fund is in dire need of an overhaul. Such an overhaul, by definition, cannot be effectuated by one or two small changes. Rather, we must examine each of the interlocking pieces in order to develop a stronger, more effective Fund. The Commission must ensure that all U.S. consumers—no matter where they live— have access to affordable communications services, including broadband. Fortunately, we are on our way to accomplishing this goal. As part of our work on the National Broadband Plan, our broadband team is conducting a top-to-bottom review of the Fund with an eye toward making meaningful recommendations about exactly how the Commission should approach comprehensive reform. We have an opportunity to make real progress at this time in order to assure the effectiveness of this essential service. I agree that we must issue this FNPRM to address the concerns of the 10th Circuit regarding our current universal service rules, and we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. It is crucial that the Commission immediately turn to the task of addressing wholesale reform of the Fund upon the release of the National Broadband Plan.