FCC grants would expand Lifeline enrollment outreach
In committeeH.R. 8576Latest action
Sponsor: Robin L. Kelly · Representative · IL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a program to make grants available to States to inform individuals of potential eligibility for the Lifeline program of the Commission, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: AI & technology
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8576 would create two FCC grant programs to help more low-income people sign up for discounted phone and internet service.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would create two federal grant programs run by the FCC. The first would fund states, territories, and tribal governments to reach out to people who qualify for the Lifeline program but have not enrolled, including helping them apply and working with local nonprofits. The second would fund states and tribal governments to connect their benefit databases to the national system that checks Lifeline eligibility, making it easier to confirm who qualifies.
Who does it affect?
Low-income individuals who may qualify for discounted phone and internet service through Lifeline but are not currently enrolled would be the primary people affected. State, territorial, and tribal agencies that run related benefit programs would also be involved in carrying out the work.
Why does it matter?
Many people who qualify for Lifeline have not signed up, and these programs would create new steps aimed at closing that gap. State and tribal governments would take on new administrative roles to carry out outreach and database connections.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.