On the recordMarch 22, 2013
Access to a telephone is beneficial for anyone trying to get a job or attempting to communicate with their family or receiving help in an emergency. Since 1985, the Lifeline Program has made it easier for low-income Americans to have a phone by providing a small monthly subsidy toward basic service. The program has seen an influx in new users over the past several years after the eligibility expanded to include mobile phones. The FCC issued an order in January 2012 to attack waste, fraud, and abuse in the program, and that order has been successful. I recommend my colleagues oppose this amendment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment. The yeas and nays have been ordered. The clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk called the roll.
