Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3333, the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act. This legislation contains important provisions to enhance television services in rural areas. Consumers in rural and mountainous areas, like my congressional district, are often beyond the reach of cable lines and do not have access to the types of programming that those who live in urban areas enjoy. I believe it is crucial for consumers in rural areas to have access to local news and emergency information, as well as robust television options. I have worked hard for years to enhance the programming options for those in rural areas, including making sure satellite companies provide local channels. In fact, I was a member of the conference committee in the 106th Congress that negotiated the final version of the law that originally permitted satellite television companies to provide local television stations, which has made satellite companies more effective competitors to cable operators. Cable had been able to provide local broadcast network stations to their subscribers for years. While that law eliminated the legal barriers to satellite companies providing local stations, it did not assure delivery of local television via satellite to all television markets. Since then, I have continued to work to encourage satellite companies to expand the areas where they provide local television stations, and we have had many successes. However, there are still problems that we need to fix.…”