Supreme Court Holds that E-Rate Program Fraud Subject to the False Claims Act

Supreme Court Holds that E-Rate Program Fraud Subject to the False Claims Act

In a unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that a False Claims Act suit alleging E-Rate program fraud can move forward.  Specifically, the Court held that the program’s reimbursement requests constitute “claims” under the FCA. Justice Kagan authored the opinion.  The decision is a win for both whistleblowers and the Government alike in the fight […]

SCOTUS Unanimously Rules E-rate Payments Fall Under False Claims Act

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous but narrow opinion Friday that reimbursement requests submitted to the E-rate program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Co., can be considered "claims" under the False Claims Act (FCA). The decision in Wisconsin...

Supreme Court Rules That Requests for Money to Federal E-Rate Program Are "Claims" Under False Claims Act | Miller & Chevalier

Supreme Court Clarifies “Claim” Definition Under False Claims Act

In Wisconsin Bell, Inc. v. United States ex rel. Heath, the Supreme Court clarified the definition of “claim” under the FCA. The case resolves a split between the Fifth and Seventh Circuits on whether a request for reimbursement under the E-Rate subsidies program meets the statutory definition of a “claim.” The Court answered that question “yes” on the narrow ground that because the government directly contributed some funds to the program, a re…

U.S. Supreme Court allows FCA suit over Education-Rate Program

In a case involving an allegation that Wisconsin Bell defrauded the federal Education Rate Program out of millions of dollars, a request for reimbursement under the program may constitute a claim for purposes of imposing civil liability under the False Claims Act, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in affirming a decision from the 7th Circuit.

SCOTUS Rules FCC E-Rate Fraud Can Trigger False Claims Act Suits - Inside Towers

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a unanimous ruling on Friday, reinforcing the federal government’s power to pursue fraud claims against telecoms accused of overcharging schools and libraries under the […]