FED E RA L COMMUNICATIONS COMMI S S IO N WAS HING TON O FFICE O F TH E CHA IRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop U.S. House of Representatives 2407 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Bishop: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission' s efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Sanford D. Bishop The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FED E RAL C OMMUNICATIONS C OMMISSION W ASHINGT ON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Henry Cuellar U.S. House of Representatives 2209 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Cuellar: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even iftheir application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence ofroad infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVTD- 19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Henry Cuellar The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. F EDE RAL COMMUNICAT IONS C OMMISSION WASH ING TON OFFICE O F THE CHAIRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo U.S. House of Representatives 202 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Eshoo: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That' s why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Anna G. Eshoo The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGT ON OFFICE OF August 18, 2020 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Bill Foster U.S. House of Representatives 1224 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Foster: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Bill Foster The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COM MUNIC ATIONS C O M MISSION WASHINGT ON OFF ICE O F T HE CHAI RMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Sylvia R. Garcia U.S. House of Representatives 1620 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Garcia: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficu !ties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC' s reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Sylvia R. Garcia The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMM ISSION WASHINGTON OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Ro Khanna U.S. House of Representatives 22 1 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Khanna: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms w ill enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibili ty to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Ro Khanna The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUN ICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON O FFI CE O F THE CHAI RMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Doris Matsui U.S. House of Representatives 2311 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Matsui: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during thi s crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence ofroad infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COYID- 19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Doris Matsui The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICAT IO NS COMMISSION WASH INGTON OFFICE OF August 18, 2020 T H E C H AIRMAN The Honorable Jerry McNemey U.S. House of Representatives 2265 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman McNemey: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That' s why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even iftheir application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Jerry McNerney The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERA L COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASH I NGTON OFFICE O F THE CHAI RMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Gwen Moore U.S. House of Representatives 2252 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Moore: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during thi s crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVrD-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff wi ll continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Gwen Moore The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C OMMISSION WASHINGTON O F FICE OF THE CHAIRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Joseph Morelle U.S. House of Representatives 1317 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Morelle: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Joseph Morelle The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. F EDERAL C OMMUNICATION S C OMMISSIO N WAS H INGT O N O F F ICE OF T H E CHAI RMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton U.S. House of Representatives 2136 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Norton: Thank you for your Jetter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even iftheir application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC' s reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WAS HINGT ON 0FFJCE O F August 18, 2020 THE CHAIRMAN The Honorable Scott Peters U.S. House of Representatives 2338 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Peters: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, like the requirement that ~11h~f"'r1hPrC' mnC"t h o ,.... ....... ._+";._..._,....,..I +,... L ~ .... 1! ......!Lt ..... L _ .£"_ ___ --- -· , ,. Page 2 The Honorable Scott Peters The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WASHINGTON O F FICE O F THE CHA IRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Mike Quigley U.S. House of Representatives 2458 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Quigley: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualifying consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social di stancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread ofCOVlD-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC's reforms will enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Universal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integri ty rule, like the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. - ----.... Page 2 The Honorable Mike Quigley The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS C OMMISSION WAS H I NGTON OFFICE OF THE CHA IRMAN August 18, 2020 The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard U.S. House of Representatives 2083 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Roybal-Allard: Thank you for your letter regarding the Commission's efforts to ease the burden for rural Tribal residents seeking support through the Lifeline program. As you know, the Lifeline program plays an important role in ensuring that low-income Americans have access to affordable communications services by providing monthly discounts on broadband and voice services to qualify ing consumers. Now more than ever, it is critical that American consumers maintain connectivity so that they can stay in touch with loved ones, telework, participate in telehealth and remote learning, and maintain the social distancing necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That's why, under my leadership, the FCC has taken aggressive action to help ensure that consumers stay connected during this crisis. Most recently, in June the Commission allowed Lifeline applicants residing in rural areas on Tribal lands to begin receiving Lifeline service even if their application failed an automated check and the applicant is still in the process of providing documentation to confirm their eligibility. Residents in rural areas on Tribal lands often have difficulties submitting documentation, given the issues with postal delivery on Tribal lands, lack of electricity, absence of road infrastructure, and remoteness of their location. These difficulties have been exacerbated due to social distancing efforts and closures of storefronts brought by the spread of COVID-19. Given these unique challenges in submitting documentation for residents in rural areas on Tribal lands, the FCC' s reforms wi ll enable service providers to begin quickly providing Lifeline service to these consumers while they complete their applications. When granting a waiver, the Commission must balance the exigencies of a situation against our responsibility to protect program integrity as the steward of the Un iversal Service Fund. Further, when waiving a critical program integrity rule, li ke the requirement that subscribers must be confirmed to be eligible before enrolling in the program, we must tailor that waiver narrowly to protect against waste, fraud, and abuse. The June waiver for consumers in rural areas on Tribal lands was implemented based on the unique difficulties in submitting documentation for residents those remote areas. We have not seen the same conditions and challenges for consumers in other areas that would necessitate the same waiver, so we have not extended this waiver into non-Tribal and urban areas. Commission staff will continue to monitor the situation and determine whether any additional waivers are needed. Page 2 The Honorable Lucille Roybal-Allard The Commission has, however, issued other waivers that encompassed all Lifeline subscribers or applicants, regardless of their location. In addition to the relief granted to residents of rural Tribal lands, the Commission in March waived several Commission rules that could have otherwise resulted in the involuntary removal of subscribers from the Lifeline program during the pandemic. These de-enrollment rules are in place to ensure that Lifeline program dollars are directed toward qualifying low-income consumers. The Bureau found that it was in the public interest to waive these requirements for a limited period of time to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber involuntarily loses service during this unprecedented, nationwide public health emergency. On April 29, the Commission also waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. This relief will make it easier for low-income Americans who recently lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic to enroll in the program. In light of the ongoing pandemic, Commission staff have extended these waivers until November 30, 2020. In addition to the above waivers, the FCC and the Universal Service Administrative Company, which administers the Lifeline program, have also undertaken numerous efforts to promote Lifeline awareness during the pandemic to ensure that consumers who are newly eligible for the program due to loss of employment or income have the information and resources they need to apply. These coordinated outreach initiatives have involved not only federal and state agencies that administer programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid, through which consumers can qualify for Lifeline, but also a variety of other government agencies and non-profit organizations serving low-income communities. We expect that our Lifeline outreach and coordination with federal, state, and local partners will continue in the coming months to ensure low-income families get and stay connected to broadband and phone service during this critical time. In sum, during this crisis, we are working to keep existing Lifeline subscribers connected, ease burdens on consumers seeking to enroll in the program, and raise awareness of the program among those populations who need it, including low-income consumers on Tribal lands. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.