'Obama phone' facts still a hang-up in Washington

The “Obama phone” debate is still ringing in Washington — as is a bad connection with some of the facts.

Lifeline, the controversial phone subsidy program that snagged attention during the first Obama administration, has landed back in the spotlight. Critics then accused the White House of dishing out free cellphones to the poor. Now they’re questioning whether reforms put in place by the Federal Communications Commission to tackle rampant misuse will actually work. The false rumors that started circling nearly four years ago continue to haunt the program as opponents push a welfare state narrative along the lines of Obamacare. A Republican-led House bill with 42 co-sponsors would nearly gut the federal program. An amendment in the recent Senate budget debate tried to eliminate funding entirely. And a House Communications subcommittee hearing Thursday will dissect its worth.