Telecommunications
As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has sole jurisdiction over Telecommunication issues, I have the opportunity to participate in crafting our national communications policies concerning telephones, TV, radio, satellites and the Internet. Technology continues to change at a rapid pace, but I am committed to ensuring that America remains at the cutting edge of communications innovation.
One of my biggest priorities is to ensure that rural areas – such as Kentucky’s First District – have access to the same communications infrastructure and technologies that are available in urban areas. I have worked to expand broadband Internet deployment in rural communities and supported legislation to allow small, rural video providers the same access to programming that larger companies enjoy.
In addition, I support legislation to improve the financial footing of the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF is a program supported by telecommunications providers whose purpose is to make available telecommunications services to all consumers, principally those living in low-income and rural areas. Many telecommunications service providers in the First District rely on USF backing, and I will continue to work to ensure that this important program remains a robust contributor to rural telecommunications networks.
From my position on the Committee, I have also worked to combat indecent and objectionable programming. I voted for legislation that provides a ten-fold increase in penalties for broadcasters that put indecent material on the airwaves. I also supported efforts to expand cable and satellite programming options that are free of indecent material and are suitable for families with young children.
In addition, I supported legislation that will finalize the transition from analog to digital broadcast television (DTV) by 2009. This important legislation frees up parts of our scarce and valuable airwaves, making more room available for improved communications networks for police, firefighters, and other first responders. At the same time, the DTV transition will allow viewers to see crisp, sharp pictures and get CD-quality sound, a big improvement over broadcast signals today.
[FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DTV TRANSITION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.]
Finally, I have participated in efforts to expand competitive programming options that will lower families’ monthly cable and satellite bills. More competition means good news for consumers, and I will continue to work for legislative efforts that keeps communications innovation high and prices low.
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