[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1932]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   THE TV CONSUMER CHOICE ACT OF 2002

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                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation 
that will nullify the Federal Communication Commission's mandate that 
will force all televisions to have a digital TV receiver by 2007. The 
TV Consumer Choice Act of 2002 will give consumers the ability to 
choose whether or not they want a TV that includes an expensive--and 
often unnecessary--digital TV tuner.
  While digital TV may present new and exciting options to viewers, 
these tuners should not be forced upon hundreds of millions of 
Americans, many of whom do not want or need this expensive device. 
Digital TV tuners are only used to receive over-the-air signals. For 
those households who choose alternate services, such as cable or 
satellite, the device is completely worthless. According to the 
Consumer Electronics Association, the tuner mandate will increase the 
cost of the average TV by $250 for a device that less than 13% of 
consumers will use. This is unacceptable.
  My legislation will ensure that individual consumers--not the federal 
government--decide which TV options are best for them. I am hopeful my 
colleagues will support this legislation and the House will act on this 
proposal expeditiously.

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