Cliff Stearns: “I rise today in response to today's front page story in The Washington Post entitled, ``Political static may block low…”

“I rise today in response to today's front page story in The Washington Post entitled, ``Political static may block low power FM.'' The article paints a picture of what the new low power FM radio service may offer, but, Mr. Speaker, it does not properly convey why this Chamber, this House of Representatives, was compelled to overwhelmingly pass a bill introduced by my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley). We did not pass a bill, as the article says, because of the influence of lobbyists or as a matter of politics. Quite simply, we passed a bill as a matter of good policy. That is why I am here this afternoon to point this out. When the FCC commission began its journey by adopting a notice of proposed rule-making designed to establish low power FM service, many of us voiced concerns about the potential interference larger commercial and public stations would face from this service. Surely, the FCC would not undertake and implement a service on such an important point as this without testing to be sure that interference was not involved.”