Bills from 110th 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 during the 110th Congress. Click on a bill to view more details.
Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492)
May 24.2007
The Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492), introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), sought to improve the quality and speed of broadband Internet by requiring the Federal Communications Commission to report on broadband deployment annually rather than periodically. A companion bill, H.R. 3919, was introduced in the House. The bill was signed into law by President Bush in October 2008.
Broadband Census of America Act (H.R. 3919)
October 22.2007
The Broadband Census of America Act (H.R. 3919), introduced by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), would have encouraged broadband deployment by creating a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service. A companion bill, S. 1492, was introduced in the Senate. The bill was signed into law by President Bush in October 2008.
Local Community Radio Act of 2007 (S. 1675/H.R. 2802)
June 21.2007
The Local Community Radio Act (S. 1675), introduced by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), would allow new Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations in communities across the country.
Resolution of Disapproval: Federal Communications Commission Media Ownership Rules (S.J. Res. 28/H.J. Res. 79)
March 5.2008
Senate Joint Resolution 28, introduced by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), would have rescinded the Federal Communications Commission's December 2007 vote to remove the "newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership" ban prohibiting one company from owning a broadcast station and the major daily newspaper in the same media market.
Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008 (H.R. 5353)
February 12.2008
The Internet Freedom Preservation Act (H.R. 5353), introduced by Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), would have established a national broadband policy and directed the FCC to conduct summits to assess competition, consumer protection and other issues related to broadband Internet access.
Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 215)
February 11.2008
The Internet Freedom Preservation Act (S. 215), introduced by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), would have reinstated protections for Net Neutrality. It would have ensured that all content, applications and services are equally accessible and would have prohibited broadband network operators from blocking, degrading, or prioritizing service on their networks.
Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1597/S. 234)
March 20.2007
The Wireless Innovation Act of 2007 (H.R. 1597), introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Nathan Deal (R-Ga.), sought to direct the FCC to move quickly to free up valuable but unused broadcast airwaves -- or "white spaces" -- and make them available for wireless broadband use.
Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act (H.R. 4882)
December 19.2007
The Broadcast Licensing in the Public Interest Act (H.R. 4882), introduced by Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.), would have strengthened public interest obligations on broadcasters by requiring that those seeking license renewal demonstrate that they have made a dedication to civic affairs in their community.
Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act of 2007 (S. 2033)
September 7.2007
The Cell Phone Consumer Empowerment Act (S. 2033), introduced by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), would have required 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 (H.R. 3281/S. 1853)
August 1.2007
The Community Broadband Act (H.R. 3281), introduced in the House by Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.), would have encouraged the deployment of high-speed networks by preserving the ability of local governments to offer community broadband infrastructure and services.
Media Ownership Act of 2007 (H.R. 4835/S. 2332)
November 8.2007
The Media Ownership Act (H.R. 4835), introduced by Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), sought 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.
Broadband Deployment Acceleration Act of 2007 (H.R. 1818)
March 29.2007
The Broadband Deployment Acceleration Act (H.R. 1818), introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), would have amended the Internal Revenue Code to permit taxpayers to deduct certain broadband expenditures, such as installation and connection costs for subscribers in rural or underserved areas.
Rural Broadband Initiative Act of 2007 (S. 1032/H.R. 2174)
March 29.2007
The Rural Broadband Initiative Act (S. 1032), introduced by Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), sought to extend and improve access to broadband services in small towns across America. The legislation would have created a policy and action framework to ensure that the federal government employs an effective and comprehensive strategy to deploy broadband service and access in rural areas across the United States.
Internet Radio Equality Act (H.R. 2060/S. 1353)
April 26.2007
The Internet Radio Equality Act (H.R. 2060), introduced by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.) and Don Manzullo (R-Ill.), aimed to fix a March 2007 ruling made by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) concerning an increase in the rates paid by Internet radio webcasters.
Serving Everyone with Reliable, Vital Internet, Communications, and Education Act of 2007 (H.R. 42)
January 4.2007
The Serving Everyone with Reliable, Vital Internet, Communications, and Education Act of 2007 (H.R. 42), introduced by Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), sought to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to continue and to expand the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Link Up Program.
