Bob Barr: “I rise in support of the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999, H.R. 3439. This legislation sends a strong message…”

“I rise in support of the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999, H.R. 3439. This legislation sends a strong message that there will be no interference to free radio. H.R. 3439 would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain third-adjacent channel protection, and to consider independent analyses of potential Low Power FM (LPFM) interference before proceeding. In January 2000, the Federal Communications Commission voted to implement an expansive licensing process. Congressman Mike Oxley and John Dingell working with Congresswoman Heather Wilson, have fashioned legislation which would slow licensing from 400 stations to roughly seven. The FCC will then test and determine whether the broadcasts cause interference with mainstream stations. I want to commend these Members for their hard work on this very important legislation. Mr. Chairman, in today's easy access to communication, there exists great belief that the average American should have the ability to 'speak out and be heard.' Talk radio, newspapers, magazines, television, public television and radio, and the Internet, all allow anyone to get a message across. How can the FCC say--with a straight face--there is 'no access?' 'Low Power FM' is a 'social' agenda based on the idea that everybody can own their own radio station. Of course this appears enticing--but the laws of physics have not been repealed and it cannot be accomplished.”