Senator To Force Vote On Fairness Doctrine
WASHINGTON -- February 20, 2009: Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), who chairs the Senate Steering Committee, will offer the Broadcaster Freedom Act, which would block the FCC from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, as an amendment to the Voting Rights bill, which is set to be voted on next week.
President Obama said earlier this week that he does not support the return of the Fairness Doctrine, but the idea has the support of a number of prominent Democratic politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) and Sens. Debbie Stabenow (MI), Dick Durbin (IL), Chuck Schumer (NY), Tom Harkin (IA), and Dianne Feinstein (CA).
DeMint said, "I'm glad President Obama finally confirmed his opposition to the Fairness Doctrine, which attacks the right of free speech on Talk radio, but many Democrats in Congress are still pushing it. With the support of the new administration, now is the time for Congress to take a stand against this kind of censorship. I intend to seek a vote on this amendment next week so every senator is on record: Do you support free speech, or do you want to silence voices you disagree with?"
The Broadcaster Freedom Act has 29 co-sponsors. The bill has also been introduced in the House by Reps. Mike Pence (R-IN) and Greg Walden (R-OR). That bill has 177 co-sponsors.
Add a Comment
