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For Immediate Release
01/23/09
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Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
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Statement by Senator Hutchison on Shift of DTV Transition Date
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today released the following statement on legislation to shift the nation’s digital television transition from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009.
“I had serious concerns about shifting the digital television transition without a sound plan to inform consumers or address the converter box coupon shortage,” said Senator Hutchison. “I am pleased that Chairman Rockefeller worked with me to address many of the concerns with the early proposals. These changes will help consumers whose coupons have expired, and allow TV stations that are prepared, and ready, to move forward without the requirement of simulcasting. Senator Rockefeller’s personal commitment to me to not seek another delay provides needed certainty to bring this transition to a conclusion. Significant challenges remain, however, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure a smooth transition to digital television for all Americans.”
Key provisions of the compromise bill include the following:
· In order to better educate consumers about the transition, and to provide consumers with ample opportunity to utilize the converter-box coupon program, the digital transition will shift from February 17, 2009 to June 12, 2009.
· Over-the-air broadcast television stations may voluntarily switch from analog to digital service before June 12, 2009. Stations that are fully prepared for the switch can make the transition early through a Federal Communications Commission process. In addition to the several markets that already have made the transition, many additional markets are expected to be prepared to make the transition prior to June 12, 2009 – this bill will permit these stations to transition early and bring consumers the advantages of digital service as quickly as possible.
· In the event a broadcast station switches early to digital service, public safety services may start using the vacated spectrum.
· Consumers with expired coupons may apply for new replacement coupons. This provides relief to consumers who, because of natural disasters, retail or mail issues, were unable to redeem their coupons.
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26th - |
Rockefeller DTV Delay Bill Passes Senate
- Washington, DC – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate passed the DTV Delay bill by unanimous consent.
“Delaying the upcoming DTV switch is the right thing to do. I firmly believe that our nation is not yet ready to make this transition at this time. The S...
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23rd - |
current Press Release |
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22nd - |
Rockefeller Announces Compromise on DTV Delay Bill
- Washington, DC – This evening, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced a bipartisan compromise to the DTV Delay Act introduced last week.
The amended DTV Delay Act will retain the extension of the digital transition date to June 12, 2009. Additionally, the agreement extends the Federal Communicatio...
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15th - |
Oceans Policy Scores Victory with Passage of S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ocean conservation and research scored a major victory today with the passage of S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The act includes five bills, originally introduced in the 110th Congress under the leadership of Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), that increase our knowledge of oceans and coastal areas, provide policymakers with i...
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