Resolution of Disapproval: Federal Communications Commission media ownership rules

March 5.2008

Senate Joint Resolution 28, introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), would rescind the Federal Communications Commission's December 2007 rule regarding broadcast media ownership. The FCC decision allowed newspaper-broadcast combinations in the nation’s top 20 markets and made it easier to win waivers for newspaper-broadcast combinations in smaller markets.

Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008

February 12.2008

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act, introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.), would establish a national broadband policy and would direct the FCC to conduct summits to assess competition, consumer protection and other issues related to broadband Internet access.

Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007

September 7.2007

The bill would require wireless service providers to share simple, clear information on their services and charges with customers before they enter into long-term contracts.

Community Broadband Act of 2007

August 1.2007

The Community Broadband Act of 2007, introduced in the House by Rep. Frederick Boucher [D-VA], would encourage the deployment of high speed networks by preserving the ability of local governments to offer community broadband infrastructure and services.

Connect America Now Act of 2007

October 18.2007

Rep. Thomas Allen, D-Maine, introduced the Connect America Now Act, H.R. 3893, to encourage broadband deployment modeled on the "Connect Nation" public-private partnership program.

Broadband Census of America Act of 2007

October 22.2007

Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Broadband Census of America Act, H.R.

Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act

December 19.2007

The Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act, introduced by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), would strengthen public interest obligations on broadcasters by requiring those seeking license renewal to demonstrate that they have made a dedication to civic affairs in their community.

Media Ownership Act of 2007

November 8.2007

A bill to promote transparency in the adoption of new media ownership rules by the Federal Communications Commission, and to establish an independent panel to make recommendations on how to increase the representation of women and minorities in broadcast media ownership.

In the rush to gut media ownership rules, the Commission has ignored the American people, neglected the media diversity crisis

Rural Broadband Improvement Act of 2007

April 25.2007

H.R. 2035 would further modify the RUS broadband loans program by narrowing the definition of "eligible rural community," thereby excluding suburban and near-urban areas from receiving the funding.

Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007

March 29.2007

With the Rural Broadband Initiative Act, Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) aims to extend and improve access to broadband services in small towns across America.