PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 207 - 143 (Roll no. 334).
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 16, 2016
End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016
This bill prohibits a provider of commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service from receiving universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934 through the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) Lifeline program, which provides subsidies for discounts on monthly telephone or broadband service (e.g., Internet service on mobile phones) to qualifying low-income consumers.
The FCC must continue to collect universal service contributions from telecommunications carriers through 2017 based on mobile service support provided in 2016 despite the bill's prohibition on Lifeline universal service support for mobile services. But the amounts collected for mobile services must be deposited in the Treasury for deficit reduction instead of being distributed for universal service support.
People & committees
Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8] · R–GA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 207 - 143 (Roll no. 334).
House roll call 334 · Individual votesFailed of passage/not agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 207 - 143 (Roll no. 334).
House roll call 334 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4025)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5525.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3978-3983; text of measure as introduced: CR H3978-3979)
Mr. Scott, Austin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5525 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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