ROBERT C. "BOBBY" SCOTT 3RD DISTRICT, VIRGINIA COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY RANKING MEMBER, SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME, TERRORISM AND HOMELAND SECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CONSTITUTION COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE SUBCOMMITTEE ON EARLY CHILDHOOD, ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EMPLOYMENT, LABOR, AND PENSIONS ([ongre~~of tbe Wntteb~tate~ j!}OU5t of !\tptt5tntatibt5 ~agbington,J)QC 20515-4603 June 23, 2011 WASHINGTON: 1201 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20515 TEL: (202) 225-8351 FAX: (202) 225-8354 NEWPORT NEWS: 2600 WASHINGTON AVENUE, SUITE 1010 NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23607 TEL: (757) 380-1000 FAX: (757) 928-6694 RICHMOND: 400 NORTH 8TH STREET, SUITE 430 RICHMOND, VA 23219 TEL: (804) 644-4845 FAX: (804) 648-6026 WWW.BOBBYSCOTT.HOUSE.GOV Honorable Julius Genachowski Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 Twelfth Street, SW Washington, DC, 20554 Dear Chairman Genachowski: I am writing to inquire about the status ofWC Docket No. 09-144, Securus Petition for Declaratory Ruling. It is my understanding that this petition has been before the FCC for some time and that the FCC has not yet acted on the petition. As the former Chair and current Ranking Member ofthe House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, I am aware ofthe importance ofcontinued communications during an inmate's incarceration between the inmate and his or her family and supporters in assisting the inmate to reenter society successfully. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that a lack offamilial contact increases the chances ofrecidivism. The FCC's action on this petition would have a substantial impact on communication between families and loved ones who are incarcerated. Accordingly, I would like to know whether the FCC has a timetable for consideration and action on the petition. I request that you provide me with a response to my letter as soon as possible. I look forward to your response and thank you for your consideration. Ifyou have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Rashage Green in my office at 202-225-8351 or at Rashage.Green@mail.house.gov. Sincerely, ~c/ff ROBERT C. "BOBBY" SCOTT Member ofCongress cc: Commissioner Michael J. Copps Commissioner Robert M. McDowell Commissioner Mignon Clyburn PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 0803