As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee I strongly believe we must have a national telecommunications policy that works for everyone.Telecommunications technology has unquestionably exploded in the last decade.In this fast paced, technology-driven society we must ensure no one gets left behind and all citizens have access to the economic benefits that come with advanced telecommunications technology.

Broadband Deployment

The Internet has forever altered the way the world communicates and conducts business.

Broadband Internet has emerged as the gold standard for Internet communication and connection because of its speed and carrying capacity.Broadband has become a vital component to successful businesses, whether for online retail, communicating with potential customers, or having the most up-to-date weather predictions for famers

I fully support the President’s goal of making broadband Internet available in every corner of our country so we can remain competitive in the global economy.The United States has fallen to 15th in broadband penetration and we must work to ensure that every household and business, no matter the location, has equal access to broadband technology.I was pleased the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $7.2 billion in grants and loans for broadband deployment.These funds will create infrastructure jobs and expand the economic benefits of broadband.

Net Neutrality

The Internet’s explosive growth has been based on network neutrality – the principle that all data traveling across the network is treated in a nondiscriminatory manner.Under this principle, Internet providers do not tamper with the free-flow of content, applications, or websites.Recently, however, some broadband network providers have expressed interest in creating a multi-tiered Internet that would prioritize certain classes of content over others.

I strongly oppose this breach of net neutrality, and am committed to an Internet that remains open and equally accessible to all.We are often only as successful as the information we have access to; if we restrict information, or create different classes of information, we run the risk of disfranchising segments of our society.

DTV Transition

As you know, the country is undergoing a transition from analog to digital television.This transition to digital (known as DTV) will allow us to better utilize the available broadcast spectrum.DTV will deliver television signals with cleaner, crisper pictures, and enable broadcasters to offer more programming choices. Even more important, by using the broadcast spectrum more efficiently, we can establish a nationwide public safety network for police, firefighters, and other first-responders to use when responding to regional or national disasters – a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

Initially this transition was to take place on Feb. 17th, 2009.However, the transition was pushed back to June 12th, 2009 to give millions of unprepared households the time to get the right equipment so they can continue to use their older television sets after the transition.Millions of people rely on their television for local news and emergency warnings and we don’t want to leave anyone behind during this transition.

To ensure everyone has access to vital information after the transition, I introduced and passed the Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness (SAFER) Act (H.R. 7013), in the 110^th Congress.This bill allows broadcasters to continue to broadcast critical information regarding the transition and local emergencies by analog signal for 30 days after the transition.In addition, this information is broadcast in both English and Spanish and will be accessible to people with disabilities.

Click here for more information about the Digital Television Transition and how it will affect the Central and South Coasts.

Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Channels

PEG Channels are our one-stop-shop for valuable community media.These channels provide an invaluable service to our communities by airing a variety of diverse locally-minded programs.PEG stations allow us to access our local government, our neighborhood schools, and local universities with the click of a remote.In an age when media is becoming more consolidated, these stations bring diversity to our towns and cities.

I have been a long time advocate of PEG channels and have continuously supported funding to keep these channels on the air.Currently, there are small technical changes in the existing law that would make it much easier for PEG channels to remain financially afloat.I support these efforts, and will continue to advocate for these stations and the valuable resources they provide.

Universal Service Fund (USF)

The USF was established in 1996 to make sure all Americans, rural and urban, have access to telephone service.Broadband Internet has become integral to businesses and households regardless of location; yet, the USF has not been updated to allow subsidies for broadband deployment.The USF needs to be updated to include broadband and other new technologies.

I fully support comprehensive reform of the USF to reflect the changing technological needs of our country and to compensate for the funding issues raised by the different technologies.