Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member  HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE ON S. 193, THE “BROADCAST DECENCY ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2005”June 6, 2006
More than a year ago, the House overwhelmingly passed a broad measure to ensure that viewers and listeners would be properly protected from indecent broadcasts over the public airwaves. The Senate has now sent back just one piece of that more comprehensive measure. The legislation before us will raise the maximum fine for indecent broadcasts tenfold, from $32,500 to $325,000. Increasing the amount that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can fine a company that broadcasts obscene or indecent programming is important, particularly given the growing size of these companies due to media consolidation. Raising the level of potential fines is a good first step, so I support this measure. But it falls short of being a comprehensive solution to hold the FCC’s feet to the fire on this issue. People who are offended by indecent broadcasts on the public airwaves deserve prompt and thorough consideration of their complaints. Previously, the FCC had let some complaints languish for years resulting in their dismissal. Unfortunately, delays continue. The viewing and listening public still does not receive prompt evaluation of their complaints, and the Commission’s treatment of many consumer indecency complaints remains haphazard. The House last year approved a much stronger and more comprehensive bill by a vote of 389 to 38. The bill would have increased the fines to $500,000 and given the FCC additional tools to fight indecency over the public airwaves. More importantly, it would have required the FCC to act on consumer complaints within a specific timeframe. It would have also made the Commission more accountable by requiring regular reports to Congress on its enforcement activities. This reporting requirement would have ensured that Congress was aware of any FCC action or inaction regarding complaints from our constituents regarding indecent broadcasts. The Senate bill does not take these steps to make the Commission more responsive or accountable. Consumers would have been better served if the House and Senate had negotiated a compromise bill that included several of the provisions from the House bill to keep the FCC accountable. Nonetheless, S. 193 is a step in the right direction. As such, I support this bill and urge my colleagues to do so as well. - 30 - (Contact: Jodi Seth, 202-225-3641)
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