FCC Chief Brendan Carr Moves to Curb Fraud in Lifeline Program

Agency subsidized phone and internet service for over 116,000 dead people

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:47pm

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Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the agency will vote next month on proposals to remove fraud from the Lifeline program, which provided taxpayer dollars to pay for phone and internet services for more than 116,000 dead people.

Why it matters

The Lifeline program was established by Congress and the FCC to help low-income Americans afford communications services, but the discovery of widespread fraud raises concerns about the program's oversight and accountability for how taxpayer funds are being used.

The details

A report from the FCC Office of Inspector General found startling levels of fraud in the Lifeline program, including subsidizing service for over 116,000 deceased individuals. Carr stated that the government must ensure taxpayer dollars are only going to "living and lawful Americans."

  • On Tuesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the upcoming vote.

The players

Brendan Carr

The Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission who is proposing reforms to the Lifeline program to address fraud.

FCC Office of Inspector General

The agency that conducted the report finding widespread fraud in the Lifeline program.

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What they’re saying

“If the government is going to spend your hard earned dollars, it must ensure that they go only to living and lawful Americans.”

— Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman

What’s next

The FCC will vote next month on Carr's proposals to remove fraud from the Lifeline program.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in government assistance programs to ensure taxpayer funds are being used appropriately and not subject to widespread fraud.