Scott Commends FCC Denial of Petitions to Stay Order Reducing Exorbitantly High Long-Distance Calling Rates Paid by Inmates and their Families

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott, the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations on the House Judiciary Committee, commended the Federal Communications Commission's denial yesterday of petitions urging the FCC to stay the Commission's order reducing high long-distance calling rates paid by prisoners and their families. Two telecommunications companies filed petitions seeking to delay the FCC's Inmate Calling Services Report and Order issued in August.

"I am pleased that the FCC has denied the petitions of two telecommunications companies seeking to continue the unfair practice of charging exorbitant long-distance calling rates paid by inmates and their families. Yesterday's decision by the FCC will allow the Inmate Calling Services Report and Order to go forward and end the practice of phone companies charging these unfair fees for calls made from prison.

"Contact with family has been shown to be a significant factor in the successful rehabilitation and re-entry of an offender back into society. The FCC's order will make inmate calls more affordable and therefore make it easier for those who are incarcerated to maintain contact with their loved ones. I commend the FCC for their ongoing commitment to addressing this injustice."

# # #