On January 3, 2020, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai sent letters to twelve U.S. Representatives regarding concerns expressed about establishing an overall cap on the Universal Service Fund. In his letters, Pai states that the NRPM was initiated “mindful of our obligation to safeguard the USF funds ultimately paid by consumers,” and recognizes that each USF program is currently capped or operating under a targeted budget. Pai also notes that the NPRM’s cap of $11.42 billion is “more than $3 billion above current USF program disbursements.”
Pai’s letters may be viewed here.