WASHINGTON (June 9, 2006) - Congressman Bobby L. Rush announced today that the Communications, Opportunity Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 (H.R. 5252), also known as the COPE Act, passed overwhelmingly last night with bipartisan support, innovation and consumer interests as the backbone.  The final vote was 321 to 121.

 Congressman Rush, who was the leading Democratic sponsor on the bill, expressed great enthusiasm for the bright outlook of the telecommunications industry and what it means for consumers with the passage of the bill.

 “Yesterday’s passage of the Communications, Opportunity Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 opens the door for much needed competition in the video market, which will spur advances in technology, diverse programming and ownership opportunities, as well as provide critical relief of steep cable costs for consumers, said Rush.”  “I was clear about serving the interests of my constituents, and passage of this bipartisan bill proves that the rest of the nation deserves the same high priority treatment.”

 Congressman Rush was key in drafting provisions of the bill that prohibits discrimination on the basis of income and gives the FCC the power to revoke the cable provider’s national franchise, with assessed penalties up to $500,000 per day. Additionally, Rush also worked to ensure the Cope Act sets the stage for increased diversity in programming and ownership by requiring video (cable) service providers to provide access to leased channels to qualified minority owners.

 “Competition has always served as the catalyst for innovation, but it has also served as the driver of building enhanced services and multi-layered opportunities for underserved groups and populations. The Cope Act represents a huge step in providing equal access and equal opportunities in an industry that advances our thoughts, emotions and actions.”