EveryLibrary Institute Applauds Wisconsin Bell SCOTUS Decision Protecting E-rate Program Integrity

The EveryLibrary Institute supports and applauds the Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Wisconsin Bell v. U.S. (Feb 2025). This important ruling reinforces the integrity of the E-rate program, ensuring broadband providers remain accountable under the False Claims Act.

Notably, this case revolved around whether reimbursement requests submitted by telecommunications providers through the Universal Service Fund (USF), specifically under the E-rate program, qualify as "claims" under the False Claims Act. The Supreme Court's decision hinged on whether federal money, including recovered penalties, settlements, and criminal restitution paid into the USF, constitutes government-provided funding. Justice Kagan's unanimous opinion clarified this critical detail, highlighting that the government's direct financial involvement in the USF clearly subjects these reimbursements to the accountability measures of the False Claims Act.

As a member of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, we see this decision as a significant victory for schools and libraries. It protects essential broadband services by clarifying providers' obligations to charge fair and equitable rates. By affirming that E-rate reimbursement requests are "claims" under the False Claims Act, the Court has strengthened protections for the Universal Service Fund, ensuring taxpayer and program funds are properly used and safeguarded.

As we look ahead to the upcoming Consumers’ Research case before the Supreme Court, the EveryLibrary Institute remains committed to supporting SHLB's advocacy efforts for a robust, sustainable Universal Service Fund that directly benefits America's schools and libraries.