For Immediate Release
June 7, 2006

Congressman Pitts Hails Passage of Broadcast Decency Bill

House Votes to Send Bill to President’s Desk

Washington – Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) hailed today’s action in the U.S. House of Representatives to toughen enforcement of broadcast decency laws in America.  The House passed S. 193, The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act by a vote of 379-35.

“It’s time we got serious about enforcing our broadcast decency laws,” Congressman Pitts said.  “Current fines do little to deter broadcasters from polluting our airwaves with indecent content.  By increasing fines by a factor of ten, this legislation provides real accountability for those who choose to violate the law.”

Background

Last month, the Senate passed The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (S. 193) by unanimous consent.  Currently, Federal Communications Commission fines levied against broadcasters who violate decency standards are limited to $32,500 per violation.  Under this bill, fines are raised to $325,000 per violation – a tenfold increase.

Having passed both the House and Senate, the bill now heads to the President where it is expected to be signed into law.

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