Bills · HR 7963
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7963Science, Technology, Communications
No Lifeline for the Dead Act
INTRO MAR 17· LAST ACTION MAR 17
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it changes access to a crucial program that helps low-income individuals stay connected to essential services. If it becomes law, it could reduce the number of people eligible for Lifeline, potentially cutting off phone and internet access for those who previously qualified under state-specific rules or who cannot meet the new citizenship or Social Security number requirements. This could affect their ability to find jobs, access healthcare, stay in touch with family, or participate in online education.
The bill aims to prevent fraud and ensure that only truly eligible individuals receive benefits, potentially saving taxpayer money. However, if it does not become law, the current system with state-level flexibility would continue, potentially allowing more people to access the program but also continuing existing concerns about program integrity and consistent eligibility enforcement across states.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires all Lifeline eligibility determinations to use the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database, removing any state-level opt-out options.
This centralizes and standardizes the verification process, aiming for greater consistency and accuracy nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that anyone currently receiving Lifeline benefits whose eligibility was not checked by the national systems must be re-verified within 180 days.
This could lead to a significant number of current beneficiaries losing their assistance if they do not meet the new, stricter verification standards.
PROVISION 03
Restricts Lifeline eligibility to only U.S. citizens or "qualified aliens."
This provision narrows the scope of who can receive benefits, excluding certain non-citizens who might currently be eligible.
PROVISION 04
Requires applicants to provide a Social Security number or Tribal identifier to be eligible for the program.
This adds a mandatory identification requirement that could exclude individuals without such documentation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
31
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 17
Introduced in House
MAR 17
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7963
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 17, 2026
Last actionMar 17, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 17, 2026
House BillHR 7963Science, Technology, Communications
No Lifeline for the Dead Act
INTRODUCED MAR 17, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 17, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
