Cliff Stearns: “I support the bill. There is going to be opposition from a few people. They are going to complain that this bill is…”

“I support the bill. There is going to be opposition from a few people. They are going to complain that this bill is arbitrary; that the fine on individuals, which is $500,000, is too much, too expensive. But I think the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) have reached the right balance on this bill, so let us talk a little bit about it. It is not arbitrary. There is a lot of flexibility involved. It is not unfair or excessive. We establish a separate standard for individuals above and beyond how we deal with licensees so that we can go that extra mile to protect their first amendment rights. We should note that the penalty is up to $500,000. That means that the FCC has the discretion to fine much lower if it needs to. We all know that Janet Jackson is a person who can afford these fines, but if a local small-time entertainer violates our decency laws, the FCC can take into consideration that fact and that these individuals cannot afford $500,000. So maybe they will issue something like $5,000 or $10,000 or $25,000, still stiff enough to punish them for violating our laws and maybe enough to dissuade them from doing it again. In fact, the FCC has the discretion to fine them $1 if they see fit.”