by Randy Tyree
OPASTCO Vice President of Legislative Policy

Today at noon, the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives began the first session of the 112th Congress by swearing in new and returning members.  The November mid-term elections brought about changes in the new Congress, especially in the U.S. House of Representatives, which is now controlled by the Republicans.  The mid-term elections in the House resulted in the defeat of many rural telecom champions, most notably telecommunications subcommittee chair Rick Boucher (D-VA). 

After the swearing in ceremonies today, both bodies will officially elect their leaders.  In the House, new rules will be considered and a full reading of the U.S. Constitution will be heard.

One of the most significant changes is the new leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) has been selected as chair.  The telecommunications subcommittee chair will be Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR).  Walden represents a large rural district and has been a steady supporter of the federal Universal Service Fund.  Former Energy & Commerce Committee chair Henry Waxman (D-CA) will become full committee ranking member.  Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) are currently vying for the ranking subcommittee position.

Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) has announced that he will reintroduce Universal Service Fund reform legislation much like the bill he sponsored with Congressman Boucher.

In the Senate, the Democrats remain in the majority.  However, that majority is now smaller, which changes the Democratic and Republican committee membership ratios.  Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) remains as chair of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, with Senator John Kerry (D-MA) serving as the telecommunications subcommittee chair.  Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson remains as full committee ranking member, with Senator John Ensign staying subcommittee ranking member.

As always, the OPASTCO membership faces many challenges in the coming year as we continue to advocate strong positions on policy issues before Congress and the Federal Communications Commission.  OPASTCO staff will be engaged in working with these policy-making bodies, along with advocating our positions at the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Justice. 

It is imperative that the rural communications industry have a strong voice on Capitol Hill.  All OPASTCO members need to step forward and be heard.  Please get to know your members of Congress, whether they are newly elected or returning veterans.  The OPASTCO staff stands ready to assist you with contact information, draft letters and position papers.  My e-mail address is rxt@opastco.org.