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August 4, 2011
The Honorable Julius Genachowski
Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Re: FCC Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, CC Docket No. 90-45
Dear Chairman Genachowski:
We are writing in regard to the FCC's effort to reform the Universal Service Fund'
Lifeline compensation system. Subsidized cell phone service is an important economic en 'ne in
the lives oflow-income families. Owning a cell phone improves individual's financial si tion
by helping them find employment, and in some cases, helps them stay employed. A ceII pone
creates opportunities and provides a means for low-income families to empower themselv s and
leads them on the path to greater economic freedom and wealth.
During this time ofeconomic uncertainty, low-income families must be afforded
with which they can have the opportunities to succeed..The FCC's·proposed changes to
program are disconcerting.
Any changes to the Lifeline program must not create any unnecessary barriers for I w-
income families to access this service, including any caps to the fund. By capping the the
FCC would create a barrier not only for low-income families, but on states currently
underrepresented within the program. Every state is entitled to equal access to the Fund
placing a cap is discriminatory in nature to some states.
Ileana Ros-Lehtin
Member ofCongress
Sincerely,
Eliot L. Engel
Member ofCongress .
We applaud the efforts taken by the FCC and recognize that a long term solution
implemented. However, the Commission should not adopt measures or practices that hin r the
individual Lifeline subscriber. Thank you for your attenf n to this impo t rna erand e look
forward to your response. ..
The FCC has also considered charging customers for this Lifeline service. Forcing low 
income families to pay for services will not deter waste, fraud and abuse and wiII only obs ct
access to this service. The FCC should look for an interim solution that is the least intrusi e but
at the same time, helps prevent waste, fraud and abuse -in~ludingutilizing state resource and
databases that can help verify customerinfotmation~
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