Democrats slam FCC’s decision to ‘gut’ prison phone call price caps
In a significant move to address the high costs of communication for incarcerated individuals and their families, Senate Democrats, led by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), are calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enforce a critical rule aimed at capping exorbitant fees for prison phone and video calls. This push comes as the FCC prepares to discuss new regulations regarding the financial burdens placed on those wishing to maintain contact with loved ones in prison. The letter, co-signed by prominent senators including Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), criticizes FCC Chair Brendan Carr for what they describe as an effort to “effectively gut” the intended relief from predatory pricing established by the Martha Wright-Reed law.
The urgency of this appeal is underscored by the FCC’s recent decision to delay the implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed law, which was designed to regulate prison communication costs. Initially set to roll out on a staggered basis starting January 1, 2025, the rule’s enforcement has now been postponed until April 1, 2027, according to Carr. He cited concerns over “negative, unintended consequences” of the rule as justification for the delay. However, the senators argue that this postponement is not only unlawful but also detrimental, as it could raise the costs of calls by as much as 83% compared to the proposed 2024 regulations. They assert that the FCC’s actions are unjustly penalizing millions of Americans who rely on these communications to stay connected with incarcerated family members.
The implications of this situation are profound, as access to communication is a vital lifeline for those in prison and their families. The senators’ letter highlights the emotional and financial strain that high calling rates impose on these relationships, emphasizing the need for the FCC to act decisively to ensure that families can maintain meaningful contact without facing crippling financial burdens. By urging the FCC to withdraw the delay and enforce the Martha Wright-Reed law, Senate Democrats are advocating for a fairer system that prioritizes the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, countering the narrative that such regulations could lead to unintended negative outcomes. As the FCC convenes, the outcome of this discussion will be closely watched by advocates and families alike, who are hopeful for a resolution that promotes justice and equity in prison communications.
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Senate Democrats are urging the Federal Communications Commission to enforce a rule that would lower the price of prison phone and video calls. In
a letter led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
(D-IL), several Democrats, including Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), among others, criticize FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s efforts to “effectively gut” a final rule to implement a cap on exorbitant fees.
The letter comes just hours before the FCC’s open meeting, where the agency is set to propose new rules surrounding how much incarcerated people and their loved ones will have to pay for phone calls from prison.
In June, the FCC announced that it would delay the
implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed law
, a rule that gives the FCC the ability to regulate prison phone calls. Carr — who
partially voted
in favor of the phone call caps in 2024 — said prisons won’t have to comply with the rule until April 1st, 2027, due to “negative, unintended consequences.” The rules were initially supposed to go into effect on a staggered basis starting January 1st, 2025.
The Senate Democrats call the delay “unlawful,” saying it’s “snatching away relief for the incarcerated people and their families from predatory rates just as they were starting to go into effect.” The letter adds that the FCC’s draft order would increase the fees paid by incarcerated people and their loved ones by up to 83 percent when compared to the 2024 rule.
“Your claim that the 2024 final rule created ‘unintended consequences’ lacks any support in the record or fact,” the senators write. “Worse, by repealing the rule and delaying enforcement, your arbitrary and capricious action will inflict irreparable harm on millions of Americans who simply seek to remain in contact with incarcerated loved ones.”
The senators aren’t asking Carr for a response, but instead want the FCC to withdraw the delay of the Martha Wright-Reed law’s implementation and enforce the rule.
