Senate keeps FCC Lifeline program alive

The federal subsidy program known as Lifeline was itself in danger of losing its life. Begun under President Reagan and expanded under George W. Bush, the program was contemptuously called by current Republicans the “Obama phone.” And in late March, Senator David Vitter (R-LA) introduced an amendment to the budget resolution that would end the cellphone part of the program.

It was defeated in a vote 53-46 with only Democrat Claire McCaskill of Missouri crossing party lines.

The program doesn’t pay for the physical phones, but underwrites phone service for low-income Americans. Outgoing FCC Commissioner Julius Genachowski had strong words for Lifeline:

“The Lifeline program has helped some of our most vulnerable citizens connect to emergency services, doctors and family in times of crisis. It has been a literal lifeline for these Americans – and  in today’s era, with a third of Americans having cut the cord to wireline phone service, it’s appropriate that Lifeline supports wireless service.”

And FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn issued a statement addressing critics who pointed to abuse in the program. “The Commission, she said, “is open to making additional adjustments where necessary, but in no uncertain terms should qualifying low-income consumers who have followed the rules, be refused service.”

Speed Matters and CWA fully support universal telephone service and continuation of the Lifeline program.

Senate rejects bid to end cellphone subsidy (The Hill, Mar. 25, 2013)

Congressional Proposal to Eliminate Lifeline Defeated (Lifeline Law Advisor, Mar. 26, 2013)