Media Bills in Congress
The Free Press policy team regularly meets with legislators on Capitol Hill to advocate for policies to promote diverse and independent media ownership, an open and accessible Internet, and strong public media.
Below you'll find a list of key pieces of legislation introduced in the current session of Congress. Click on a bill to view more details.
President Obama has signed the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which appropriates $7.2 billion for broadband stimulus. The law attaches open Internet conditions to broadband funds and directs the FCC to produce a national broadband plan. Click here for more information.
Bill to Force the FCC to Extend Comment Period on Comcast-NBC Merger
April 16.2010
This legislation would ensure that consumers have a chance to weigh in on this unprecedented merger.
The Broadband Service Consumer Protection Act
March 15.2010
The Broadband Service Consumer Protection Act was introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to require broadband providers to give clear information on the actual service speeds consumers receive. This bill responds to the practice of Internet providers regularly advertising service speeds that are often much higher than the actual speed the average consumer receives.
The Broadband Affordability Act of 2009
February 18.2010
Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) has introduced a bill that would expand the Universal Service Fund to include broadband by discounting the Internet access bills to the poor and underserved.
The E-Rate 2.0 Act
February 9.2010
The E-Rate 2.0 Act, introduced by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) would expand the current e-rate program to bring e-book readers and residential broadband services to students.
Cellphone Early Termination Fee, Transparency and Fairness Act
December 4.2009
The legislation follows Verizon Wireless’ decision to increase its Early Termination Fees from $175 to $350 for certain subscribers who end their contracts early. The bill would set limits on Early Termination Fees (ETFs) and require wireless providers to pro-rate ETFs and clearly notify customers about the fee not only at the time of purchase but for the duration of their contracts.
Federal Communications Commission Collaboration Act
December 1.2009
The Federal Communications Commission Collaboration Act would facilitate meaningful deliberation and exchange of ideas among FCC commissioners, while providing a transparent process and important information regarding FCC policy decisions. The bill would also encourage bipartisan and efficient decision making at the FCC. Free Press strongly supports this bill.
Community Access Preservation Act
October 7.2009
Legislation introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) to preserve and protect Public, Educational and Government (PEG) access channels. Free Press strongly supports this bill.
The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009
July 31.2009
The Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2009 was introduced by Reps. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) and Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) This landmark legislation would protect Network Neutrality under the Communications Act, safeguarding the future of the open Internet and protecting Internet users from discrimination online.
Radio Spectrum Inventory Act
July 8.2009
The Radio Spectrum Inventory Act was introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Communications Subcommittee Chair Henry Boucher (D-Va.).
Broadband Internet Fairness Act
June 17.2009
The Broadband Internet Fairness Act, introduced by Rep. Eric Massa (D-N.Y.), would give the government explicit authority to prevent broadband providers from overcharging for Internet access. Free Press strongly supports this bill.
Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009
May 14.2009
The Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009, introduced by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), would link broadband deployment with federally funded transportation projects. It would direct the Secretary of Transportation to require that broadband conduit be installed as part of highway construction projects. Free Press is monitoring this bill.
Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2009
May 14.2009
The legislation would promote more rapid, cost-effective expansion across the country of broadband networks. Free Press strongly supports this bill.
