DARREN PITTMAN

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 755 - To require annual oral testimony before the Financial Services Commitee of the Chairperson or a designee of the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, relating to their efforts to promote transparency in financial reporting. H.R. 1194 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 140 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 170 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Monitor and react to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communicaitons which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal death tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community based communications providers.

Monitor and comment on the concept of rural economic development and talk to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following:. S. 1093-The New Homestead Act of 2007 designed to foster rural community growth and economic improvement.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 755 - To require annual oral testimony before the Financial Services Commitee of the Chairperson or a designee of the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, relating to their efforts to promote transparency in financial reporting. H.R. 1194 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 140 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 170 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Monitor and react to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communicaitons which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal death tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community based communications providers.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 755 - To require annual oral testimony before the Financial Services Commitee of the Chairperson or a designee of the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, relating to their efforts to promote transparency in financial reporting. H.R. 1194 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 140 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 170 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Monitor and react to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communicaitons which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal death tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community based communications providers.

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

H.R. 1424 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, which is a bill to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. S. 558 - Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, which is to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following:

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H.R. 1424 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, which is a bill to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. S. 558 - Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, which is to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

H. Con. Res. 99 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the United States for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry, S. Con. Res. 21 - Concurrent Resolution on the budget of the U.S. for FY 2008, which also sets appropriate budgetary levels for FY 2009-12. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission as well as to any loan and grant programs or other regulatory initiatives under these entities that may impact the rural communications industry. H.R. 2206 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations and additional supplemental appropriations for agriculture and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2207 - Agricultural Disaster Assistance and Western States Emergency Unfinished Business Appropriations Act of 2007. Specific attention paid to whether there would be any impact on the Rural Utilities Service Programs. H.R. 3161 & S. 1859 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions. H.R. 2093 & S 1745 - Making appropriations for the Depts. of Commerce and Justice, and Science, Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2008 and for other purposes. Specific attention paid to the Commerce Dept. and National Telecommunications & Information Agency. H.R. 3043 & S. 1710 - Depts of Labor, Health & Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Apprpriations Act 2008. Specific attention paid to monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 1591 - U.S. Troops Readiness, Veteran's Health, and Iraq Accountability Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. S. 965 - U.S. Troop Readiness, Veteran's Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act 2007. Specific attention paid to monitoring whether or not any provisions would impact the initiatives of NTCA and/or its members. The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to participate in, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

Some related to seeking funding for and from specific program of relevance to their members and in other cases when issues are tied to such a measure as a means of moving it through the legislative process. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and related issues: H.R. 5384 - Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on securing adequate funding for the telecommunications-oriented programs of the Rural Utilities Services and the Rural Cooperative Business Service and on the Act's general provisions tied to those programs' operations. H.R. 5672 - Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the programs under their jurisdiciton, and on the general provisions exempting the federal universal service programs from the Anti-Deficiency Act and restricting the FCC from implementing primary line restrictions on the universal service program. H.R. 5647 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 3708 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 5631 - 1st Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state-justice - commerce. H.J Res. 100 - 2nd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - State - Justice - Commerce. H.J. Res. 102 - 3rd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state - justice - commerce. The association follows various appropriations measures and related issues for a variety of reasons.

Some related to seeking funding for and from specific program of relevance to their members and in other cases when issues are tied to such a measure as a means of moving it through the legislative process. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and related issues: H.R. 5384 - Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on securing adequate funding for the telecommunications-oriented programs of the Rural Utilities Services and the Rural Cooperative Business Service and on the Act's general provisions tied to those programs' operations. H.R. 5672 - Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the programs under their jurisdiciton, and on the general provisions exempting the federal universal service programs from the Anti-Deficiency Act and restricting the FCC from implementing primary line restrictions on the universal service program. H.R. 5647 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 3708 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 5631 - 1st Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state-justice - commerce. H.J Res. 100 - 2nd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - State - Justice - Commerce. H.J. Res. 102 - 3rd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state - justice - commerce. The association follows various appropriations measures and related issues for a variety of reasons.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

S. 1503 Healthy America Act of 2005 H.R. 2682 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 1244 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 8 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 S. 988 To permanently repeal the estate and generation skipping transfer taxes H.R. 5638 Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act of 2006 H.R. 5970 Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act of 2006 H.R. 6111 Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 Respond to IRS initiatives and other federal policies on telecom excise taxes to ensure the rural industry is on the same footing/playing field as other segments of the communications industry. H.R. 1898 Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 S. 1321 Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 Monitor and react to proposals that will eliminate the federal death tax which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural businesses to heirs.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

S. 1503 Healthy America Act of 2005 H.R. 2682 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 1244 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 4 Pension Protection Act of 2006 H.R. 2830 Pension Protection Act of 2005 S. 219 National Employee Savings and Trust Equity Guarantee Act of 2005 S. 1783 Pension Security and Transparency Act of 2005 Monitor and respond to policies that will impact NTCA's ability to continue providing quality affordable pension plan options to their members and their employees.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 4 Pension Protection Act of 2006 H.R. 2830 Pension Protection Act of 2005 S. 219 National Employee Savings and Trust Equity Guarantee Act of 2005 S. 1783 Pension Security and Transparency Act of 2005 Monitor and respond to policies that will impact NTCA's ability to continue providing quality affordable pension plan options to their members and their employees.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

S. 1503 Healthy America Act of 2005 H.R. 2682 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 1244 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

S. 675 New Homestead Act of 2005 H.R. 5380 New Homestead Act of 2005 Monitor and comment on the concept of rural economic development and talk to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security.

H.R. 8 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 S. 988 To permanently repeal the estate and generation skipping transfer taxes H.R. 5638 Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act of 2006 H.R. 5970 Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act of 2006 H.R. 6111 Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 Respond to IRS initiatives and other federal policies on telecom excise taxes to ensure the rural industry is on the same footing/playing field as other segments of the communications industry. H.R. 1898 Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 S. 1321 Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2005 Monitor and react to proposals that will eliminate the federal death tax which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural businesses to heirs.

Some related to seeking funding for and from specific program of relevance to their members and in other cases when issues are tied to such a measure as a means of moving it through the legislative process. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and related issues: H.R. 5384 - Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on securing adequate funding for the telecommunications-oriented programs of the Rural Utilities Services and the Rural Cooperative Business Service and on the Act's general provisions tied to those programs' operations. H.R. 5672 - Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the programs under their jurisdiciton, and on the general provisions exempting the federal universal service programs from the Anti-Deficiency Act and restricting the FCC from implementing primary line restrictions on the universal service program. H.R. 5647 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 3708 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 5631 - 1st Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state-justice - commerce. H.J Res. 100 - 2nd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - State - Justice - Commerce. H.J. Res. 102 - 3rd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state - justice - commerce. The association follows various appropriations measures and related issues for a variety of reasons.

Some related to seeking funding for and from specific program of relevance to their members and in other cases when issues are tied to such a measure as a means of moving it through the legislative process. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and related issues: H.R. 5384 - Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on securing adequate funding for the telecommunications-oriented programs of the Rural Utilities Services and the Rural Cooperative Business Service and on the Act's general provisions tied to those programs' operations. H.R. 5672 - Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the programs under their jurisdiciton, and on the general provisions exempting the federal universal service programs from the Anti-Deficiency Act and restricting the FCC from implementing primary line restrictions on the universal service program. H.R. 5647 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 3708 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 5631 - 1st Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state-justice - commerce. H.J Res. 100 - 2nd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - State - Justice - Commerce. H.J. Res. 102 - 3rd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state - justice - commerce. The association follows various appropriations measures and related issues for a variety of reasons.

Some related to seeking funding for and from specific program of relevance to their members and in other cases when issues are tied to such a measure as a means of moving it through the legislative process. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and related issues: H.R. 5384 - Agriculture and Rural Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on securing adequate funding for the telecommunications-oriented programs of the Rural Utilities Services and the Rural Cooperative Business Service and on the Act's general provisions tied to those programs' operations. H.R. 5672 - Science, State, Justice, Commerce Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the programs under their jurisdiciton, and on the general provisions exempting the federal universal service programs from the Anti-Deficiency Act and restricting the FCC from implementing primary line restrictions on the universal service program. H.R. 5647 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 3708 - Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007. Particular emphasis on monitoring funding of HHS programs and services that may affect the health and benefit plans offered to the association's members. H.R. 5631 - 1st Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state-justice - commerce. H.J Res. 100 - 2nd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - State - Justice - Commerce. H.J. Res. 102 - 3rd Continuing Resolution - sections of interest: Continuing appropriations for Agriculture and Science - state - justice - commerce. The association follows various appropriations measures and related issues for a variety of reasons.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

S 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 S 1244 Longterm Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 HR 2682 Longterm Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 8 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 S 988 To permanently repeal the estate and generation skipping transfer taxes. Monitor and react to proposals that will eliminate the federal death tax which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural businesses to heirs. HR 1898 and S 1321 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Respond to IRS initiatives and other federal policies on telecom excise taxes to ensure the rural industry is on the same footing/playing field as other segments of the communications industry.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 2830 Pension Protection Act of 2005 S 219 National Employee Savings and Trust Equity Guarantee Act of 2005. Monitor and respond to policies that will impact NTCA's ability to continue providing quality affordable pension plan options to their members and their employees.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

HR 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services HR 2418 and S 1063 to promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services. HR 2533 and S 241 to exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal AntiDeficiency Act HR 2726 to prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except in certain cases. HR 3146 and S 1349 to eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements. S 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula. S 1147 to amend the IR Code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures. S 1294 to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions. S 1504 to esablish a market driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation. S 1583 to strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisims. The underlying initiative behind our interest in all of the above is to preserve a regulatory environment that allows our members to continue serving the high-cost markets no one else cared to, without facing uneconomic artificial competition. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring the universal service system operates according to congressional intent and that its contribution and distribution mechanisms are altered to ensure its future. We also engaged in discussions and debates on 700 Megahertz and other spectrum, broadband deployment, prepaid calling cards, industry mergers, intercarrier compensation, truth in billing, local number portability, video services, restransmission, and interconnection mandates and responsibilities.

S 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 S 1244 Longterm Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 HR 2682 Longterm Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

HR 8 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005 S 988 To permanently repeal the estate and generation skipping transfer taxes. Monitor and react to proposals that will eliminate the federal death tax which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural businesses to heirs. HR 1898 and S 1321 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Respond to IRS initiatives and other federal policies on telecom excise taxes to ensure the rural industry is on the same footing/playing field as other segments of the communications industry.