Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ernst Proposes Bill Over California's $3.8M Lifeline Payments

2/27/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the No Lifeline for Dead People Act.
Ernst says California improperly received $3.8 million for 94,000 deceased people (2020–2025).
The bill would require use of the National Verifier system for Lifeline eligibility.
California officials say most subscribers were alive and eligible.
They attribute improper payments to delays in closing accounts, not fraud, and say the issue is nationwide.

1 of 1

Story summary

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced the No Lifeline for Dead People Act.
Ernst says California improperly received $3.8 million for 94,000 deceased people (2020–2025).
The bill would require use of the National Verifier system for Lifeline eligibility.
California officials say most subscribers were alive and eligible.
They attribute improper payments to delays in closing accounts, not fraud, and say the issue is nationwide.