FCC Chairman Carr's Response to Senator Cruz Regarding the Federal Lifeline Program

On October 27, 2025, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) wrote to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, raising concerns about California state law A.B.1303, to specifically extend the California Lifeline subsidy to “individuals not lawfully present in the United States.” Chairman Cruz wrote that the FCC "has a legal obligation to ensure that federal benefits it administers, such as the Lifeline program, are not given to illegal aliens." On December 8, Chairman Carr wrote to Cruz, saying "I share your concern that the California law undermines federal law, encourages unlawful behavior, and is an abuse of federal funding." Carr added, " Following your letter and consistent with FCC authority, I have taken swift action to address the problems created by California’s law and ensure that Lifeline is not misused by illegal aliens." He added, " In 2026, we plan to evaluate several issues affecting program effectiveness to ensure funds are administered lawfully, efficiently, and with strict oversight."