WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reps. Anna G. Eshoo (CA-18), Chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, and Marcia Fudge (OH-11), Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations, and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) led 140 colleagues in the House and Senate in sending a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai urging him to work directly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to inform families of their eligibility for broadband and telephone assistance. Millions of Americans eligible for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicaid are also eligible for the FCC's Lifeline program—the primary federal program charged with helping low-income families obtain broadband and telephone services.

"Non-essential businesses and schools have closed across the country to limit the spread of the coronavirus, leaving families to rely on the internet now more than ever to access public benefits, search for employment, learn from home, or access telehealth services. The need is greatest among low-income households forced to stretch limited resources to try to keep up with monthly expenses and put food on the table during the public health crisis. For these vulnerable populations, the FCC's Lifeline program can help struggling families afford basic internet and telephone connectivity at a time when they need it most – but only if they know about it," the lawmakers wrote.

"While we understand that the FCC has traditionally issued guidelines for states and telecommunications providers to advertise the Lifeline program, given the critical role of internet connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic, we urge the FCC to coordinate directly with USDA and HHS as well as states and stakeholders to help ensure people in need are informed about their eligibility for the Lifeline program."

The letter is supported by Public Knowledge, the National Consumers Law Center, United Church of Christ, OC Inc., and Third Way.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that connectivity is more important than ever. I've called for the FCC to coordinate with agencies that administer services that determine eligibility for the Lifeline program to ensure low-income communities learn about the critical Lifeline program. Americans cannot afford for the government to work in silos, and I'm thankful for the leadership of Senator Klobuchar, Senator Durbin, Congresswoman Fudge, and Congresswoman Eshoo to make sure more Americans know about this essential program in our social safety net," FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks said.

"The Lifeline program provides critical connectivity for those who need it most. Informing consumers about their Lifeline eligibility is a necessary step to help close the digital divide and is clearly something we should continue doing even after the pandemic ends. We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Klobuchar and Durbin and Representatives Fudge and Eshoo on this issue," said Chris Lewis, President and CEO, Public Knowledge.

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.