Recently, an outside advocacy group began an automated “robocall” campaign in Southern Ohio to encourage residents to call me to “prevent Congress from turning off the Lifeline program for our veterans.”  I received this phone call and so did many of my friends and neighbors.  

While their website doesn't provide sufficient information, it appears the group, which goes by the innocuous-sounding name, “Prepaid Wireless Users of America,” represents prepaid wireless companies that benefit from a federal program, known as Lifeline.  It has also been called the “Obama Phone” program. 

While I wholeheartedly support a company’s right to advocate for their cause, let’s have a transparent debate – and not use our veterans to cloud the issue.

The calls fail to mention the documented waste, fraud, and abuse in the Lifeline program, which I’m working to end.  It’s a cynical, age-old Washington tactic and one reason why many Americans are frustrated with politics. 

You can read my full column about the Lifeline program here.