House Commerce Committee Launches Investigation Into Universal Service Lifeline Program

House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) announced that the committee is launching an investigation into waste, fraud, and abuse in Universal Service Lifeline program. The investigation comes on the heels of the Federal Communications Commission’s recently issued Notice of Apparent Liability alleging massive fraud in the Lifeline program perpetrated by Total Call Mobile.

Committee member Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS) sent a letter to the committee asking the committee to investigate the mismanagement of the Lifeline program. In light of the FCC’s notice and Rep. Pompeo’s letter, Chairman Upton writes, “I have instructed Committee staff to begin an investigation of the Lifeline program consistent with your recommendation. As you so aptly observe, such action is necessary to ensure not only that ratepayer dollars are responsibly spent but also to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the program for those that truly need the assistance.”