PATRICK J . TOOMEY PENNSYLVAN IA tinitrd ~tatcs ~cnatc December 11, 2014 Chairman Tom Wheeler Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St. SW Washington, DC 20554 Dear Chairman Wheeler, WASHINGTON, DC 20510 Received & Inspected r· ('"' l l' [014 1 I l, , .:J FCC Maii Room COMM ITTEES: FINANCE BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS BUDGET JOINT ECONOMIC COMMITTEE The Federal Communications Commission's interim and proposed regulation of the rates and fees associated with inmate calling services (ICS) have been brought to my attention. As prisons often represent one of the largest costs associated with running a local government, I would urge you to forgo finalizing any additional rate caps or regulations that will have the direct effect of creating unnecessary state and local government budget shortfalls and potentially compromise the security of our communities. ICS are inherently expensive because of the immense security that is needed to maintain them as part of an efficient correctional system. Prisons need to know who inmates are talking to and what they are talking about in order to ensure that no illegal business is being conducted. It is no secret that prisoners often attempt to run illegal operations from jail. Demented perpetrators will also try to contact their victims despite their incarceration and inmates will even plan their escapes over these communications systems. Furthermore, it is not unreasonable to allow the use of ICS monies to fund other general services needed at prisons. I have been informed that these funds provide for additional security in prisons as well as rehabilitation programs like GED and life skills workshops. Accordingly, it's imperative that the FCC discontinue its pursuit of a one-size, Washington­ knows-best model for ICS in prisons. I respectfully request that you keep my office apprised of the Commission' s future actions on this topic. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 1312