    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [June 12, 1998]
    [Page 948]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Federal Communications Commission Decision on the E-
    Rate
    June 12, 1998

        I applaud the decision by the Federal Communications Commission to
    move forward with the ``e-rate''--a critical initiative to connect our
    schools, libraries, and rural health centers to the Internet. Although I
    had urged that the e-rate be fully funded, I remain committed to the
    goal of ensuring that every child has access to the tools they need to
    compete in the 21st century.
        The e-rate will help create opportunity in the information age for
    children and communities all over America. Together with our Technology
    Literacy Challenge Fund, the e-rate will ensure that for the first time
    in our Nation's history, a child in the most isolated inner city or
    rural town will have access to the same universe of knowledge as a child
    in the most affluent suburb. Parents will be able to communicate more
    frequently with teachers and keep up with the progress of their child in
    school. Our children will be ``technologically literate'' and better
    prepared for the high-tech, high-wage jobs our economy is creating in
    record numbers.
        I call upon all Members of Congress to support the FCC's decision. I
    will steadfastly oppose any effort to pull the plug on the e-rate and
    our children's future or to thwart the FCC's ability to move forward
    with this initiative.