NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 202/418-2555
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 1999
	COMMISSIONER NESS ISSUES STATEMENT ON 5TH CIRCUIT'S UNIVERSAL SERVICE RULING
	Commissioner Susan Ness issued the following press statement on July 30, 1999, concerning the 5th Circuit Court's Universal Service Decision released on that day: I am elated that the 5th Circuit has upheld most of the FCC's universal service ruling. I am especially pleased that the key elements of the E-rate -- particularly classroom connections and Internet access -- have been validated. This is a huge win for America's children. The e-rate now has a firm footing for the future. The rulings under review were the product of lengthy and complex collaboration by state commissioners and federal commissioners, Republicans and Democrats. The process was driven first and foremost by fidelity to the grand vision of a bipartisan group of legislators, Senators Snowe, Rockefeller, Exon, and Kerrey, as well as Vice President Gore. They have a lot to be proud of today. -FCC-