Lee Metcalf: “in December a U.S. District Court decision in Florida caused thousands of satellite television subscribers throughout my…”

“in December a U.S. District Court decision in Florida caused thousands of satellite television subscribers throughout my district up in Washington State to lose network service. The Federal Communications Commission claims that those subscribers are located inside an area where they can pick up the signals of their local broadcast stations with a simple rooftop antenna and do not need the satellite service. Not necessarily true. In Washington State we have mountains, large trees and other obstacles that can block the broadcast signals. My constituents depend on satellite service for local news, weather, and local emergency reporting. That is why I commend the sponsors today on H.R. 1554. This bill will provide relief for satellite customers by allowing satellite companies to broadcast local stations into local markets. Further, it will direct the FCC to develop a new method for determining television signaling intensity and impose a moratorium on the planned shutoffs.”