GUS M. BILIRAKIS
12TH DISTRICT, FLORIDA
COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
COMMERCE, MANUFACTURING AND TRADE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON
ENVIRONMENT AND THE ECONOMY
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS
VICE-CHAIRMAN
ASSISTANT REPUBLICAN WHIP i!iou of 1RtprntatiutB
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
2313 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 2SB1B-0B12
12021 22B-B755
DISTRICT OFFICES:
ashlflfton, D 2051j-0912 Received &
February 2, 2015
FEB u2015
The Honorable Tom Wheeler, Chairman p
Federal Communications Commission Cc Mail Room
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IBEBI 773-2571
Re: Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services - Second Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (WC Docket No. 12-375)
Dear Chairman Wheeler,
I am writing because it is apparent that the FCC's Second Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking on Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services (ICS) (WC Docket No. 12-
375), issued on October 22, 2014, has the potential to adversely impact the performance of
Sheriffs' duties across the country.
I am greatly concerned that the FCC is considering low rate caps that may limit the ability
of ICS providers to recover costs of administering services in smaller, higher cost
facilities. Jail sizes vary greatly and each jail must consider their budgets in vastly
different ways than prisons. If the FCC implements a "one-size-fits-all" approach to ICS,
many jails may be forced to severely limit or altogether eliminate inmate telephone
privileges. In addition, low rate caps and no means for cost recovery would prohibit jails
from properly securing and monitoring ICS, which is a valuable tool for law enforcement
information gathering and security.
Jails should be allowed to recover these costs in order to secure their jail and prevent
future crimes and mitigate the harassment of victims and witnesses. There are alternatives
to solve this issue in a more tailored fashion than the "one-size-fits-all" approach, such as
more reasonable caps on interstate rates or differing rates for large jails and small prisons.
I hope the FCC takes a more tailored approach to Interstate Inmate Calling Services going
forward.
Because of the potential impact this may have on Sheriffs not only in Florida, but across
the country, I would greatly appreciate that further updates on this issue be sent to my
office.
Sincerely,
GUS M. BILIRAKJS
Member of Congress
WWW.BILIRAKIS.HOUSE.GOV
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