How the countries of the world will reach agreement on their different laws and definitions remains to be determined. If there is any bright side to this bill, it is in the universal access and anti-redlining provisions agreed to by the Conference Committee. A Federal-State Joint Board and a Commission on Universal Service will be created to carry out the universal service principles defined in the legislation. These principles include the availability of quality services at reasonable and affordable rates. Advanced telecommunications services are to be equitable to all regions of the nation, including rural and high- cost areas.
Discounted rates are to be available for schools, libraries and health care facilities.
Although the tough budget negotiations interfered, the report is due for release any day now. Congress is back in session this week but may adjourn again until the January 23rd State of the Union Address by President Clinton, in which case further action on telecommunications will be again delayed. As a quick aside, Rep. Thomas chairs both the Joint Committee on Printing and the House Oversight Committee, and last summer also promised that we would have a series of hearings on GPO this spring as well. Thomas made no bones about his intent to have Congress play a strong and visible role in assessing the operations and long-term policy strategies for both Legislative Branch agencies. No financial audit has been done in the interim to assess the effectiveness of the GAO's recommendations, and clearly all agreed that this is needed.