🚀 go-pugleaf

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Date: Fri, 04 Aug 1995
From: Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>
Subject: HOUSE TELECOM PASSES WITH AMENDMENTS (fwd)


HOUSE TELECOM PASSES WITH AMENDMENTS
Broadcast Limitation & Parental Choice Approved

Washington, DC--The House of Representatives, this afternoon, passed the
"Communications Act of 1995" [HR 1555], in a final vote of 305 yeas to 117
nays.  An amendment (2-5) offered by Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), was
agreed to earlier by a vote of 228 yeas to 195 nays to limit the
ownership by any person of television stations which have an aggregate
national audience reach exceeding 35 percent.

  Another amendment (2-6) offered by Reps. Markey, Dan Burton (D-IN), John
M.  Spratt, Jr (D-SC), and James P. Moran (D-VA), was agreed to by a vote
of 224 yeas to 199 nays, would establish a plan to facilitate parental
choice in television programming.  The amendment would establish a
voluntary television rating system, and require that televisions be
equipped with program-blocking technology known as the "V-chip or "choice
chip."

  The "V-chip" agreement was a surprise outcome.  A vote of the House
first approved a substitute amendment (2-7) offered by Rep. Tom A. Coburn
(R-OK) that was agreed to by a vote of 222 yeas to 201 nays.  The Coburn
amendment would have replaced parental control with a Federally mandated
industry study.  However, on a motion to recommit offered by Rep. Markey
with instruction to insert the language of the Markey amendment (2-6), the
House approved the motion by a vote of 224 yeas to 199 nays and, thereby,
mandated the provisions of both amendments.  Rep. Burton was evidently so
thrilled by the result, which he had passionately supported, that he was
seen weeping in joy after the final outcome was announced.

Vigdor Schreibman - FINS <fins@access.digex.net>
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