Jim Inhofe: “we have heard some discussions, some debate by the Senator from Iowa, Mr. Harkin, on his amendment No. 2438. I oppose…”

“we have heard some discussions, some debate by the Senator from Iowa, Mr. Harkin, on his amendment No. 2438. I oppose this amendment, and I have prepared and have filed a second-degree amendment that I will offer after all time by Senator Harkin has expired. I guess I would ask the question as to why should the Senate mandate what programming our troops can listen to or deny their opportunity to choose. Currently, under this system, our troops communicate with their local radio stations by offering feedback that shapes the local programming. Simply put, if the troops do not like what they are hearing, they call the radio station and ask that the programing be changed. It seems to be fair to me. It is called the market. If there is no market for it, why should we be doing it? Now, as Senator Harkin himself has stated, fair and balanced programming options are offered to all 33 radio stations worldwide. It is the individual radio stations that establish the programming based on its audience's preferences. The stations decide what programming is in the greatest demand. Worldwide, the second-largest audience request is to play all 3 hours of Rush Limbaugh. Only 1 hour is currently made available through the AFRTS. However, some stations choose not to carry his program at all, even for the 1 hour of availability. That is their choice to make based on the troop feedback.…”