Hon. Paul E. Gillmor: “I am happy to see that today, after a firestorm of public criticism, we have an increasing appetite, both in Congress…”

“I am happy to see that today, after a firestorm of public criticism, we have an increasing appetite, both in Congress and the FCC, for punishing those who repeatedly flout the rules, and we have before us a strong measure, one that will boost maximum fine to $500,000, make it easier for the FCC to fine performers rather than just their employers and threaten to strip licenses of repeat offenders. I should also point out that before and after the Super Bowl incidents, my office received over 500 e-mails from my district concerning indecent broadcasts. I would like to share the message of just one of those constituents. "I am very glad to see you are taking action to protect our kids from indecent, profane, vulgar and tasteless programming. Just when I thought that TV couldn't get any worse, I witnessed the appalling display at the half-time show of the Super Bowl. My 11-year old son and 15-year-old daughter were speechless. Please know that I am behind you 100 percent. I hope that this bill will strengthen the power of the FCC and allow them to penalize those sponsors." I think the American people have had enough of "costume reveals" and "wardrobe malfunctions," and I urge passage of the bill.”