Commissioner Gomez Blasts FCC For Defying Federal Law on Prison Call Rates

Federal Communications Commissioner Anna Gomez issued a statement after FCC leadership overrode a bipartisan Commission vote and halted implementation of the bipartisan Martha Wright-Reed Act, which mandates reductions in exorbitant prison phone and video call rates. “Sadly, the real cost of this delay will be felt far beyond Washington. We cannot ignore the fact that the burden of inaction falls squarely on the shoulders of families. One in three families go into debt just to afford phone calls and visits with loved ones behind bars. These are parents, grandparents, siblings, and children doing everything they can to stay connected. That connection isn’t just a lifeline, it’s a proven tool for reducing recidivism, strengthening communities, and improving public safety. When we allow the system to sever those ties, we all pay the price."