Representative James Lankford (R-OK) applauded the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent efforts to eliminate duplication in the Lifeline telephone program. Eligible telecommunications carriers in Oklahoma and four other states can now begin loading their subscriber data into the new National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). Carriers and state commissions will use NLAD to ensure phone users do not receive duplicate taxpayer-supported services.
"Since I was elected to Congress, I have worked to address waste, fraud and abuse in federal agencies and programs. Lifeline is a prime example of a federal program where fraud and abuse are obvious problems," said Lankford.
In 2012, Oklahoma had an estimated 500,000 lifeline phone users, many of whom didn't meet the minimum criteria to receive the phone. In contrast, Oregon--a state of similar population--had an estimated 50,000 users. If we continue adding "free" phones at this rate, central Oklahoma will need to add another area code.
"I've worked with the FCC to create a central list of Lifeline phone users to determine whether households have more than one phone," continued Lankford. "Since each phone company keeps its own records, up until this point we have had no way to verify whether a person has multiple phones from multiple companies. The program is designed for a small and limited group of Americans that have no access to phone service and who live below the poverty line. The program has grown out of control in the past few years, and many people who do not qualify currently have a "free' phone, sometimes several free phones."
By the end of 2014, data from Oklahoma and four other states will be uploaded into the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), which will be used to ensure people cannot receive duplicate taxpayer-funded services.
"Eliminating duplication across multiple carriers is the first step on a long road to ensuring that only those who qualify can access this program. I have also worked with the FCC to ensure the Oklahoma Corporation Commission can protect Oklahomans from companies that exist primarily to defraud taxpayers. I will continue to work with local phone providers, phone users, state partners and federal entities to ensure we protect hard-working taxpayers and address the serious problems in this federal program," concluded Lankford.