-
House Approves "Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act"
June 7, 2006 at 2:51 PM (PT)
What do you think? Add your comment below. -
As expected, the House today passed Sen. SAM BROWNBACK's "Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act," which was initially approved by the Senate on MAY 18. The legislation passed in a landslide, with 379 representatives voting "yes," 35 voting "no," and 18 not voting.
As reported, the legislation, if approved by Pres. BUSH and signed into law, will empower the FCC to levy up to $325K fines for indecency, which is a tenfold increase over the current max of $32,500.
Commented FCC Chairman KEVIN MARTIN, "I welcome Congress' decision to give the Commission increased fining authority in our efforts to protect children from inappropriate programming. Many parents are increasingly concerned about what is on television and radio today. Today's vote demonstrates that Congress shares their concern and has a clear desire for a more meaningful enforcement of our decency standard.
"The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act gives the Commission more tools to enable parents to watch television and listen to radio as a family. In addition, I believe that concerns regarding content should be addressed in a comprehensive fashion by empowering parents to choose the programming that comes into their homes."

