[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 30 (Friday, February 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E271-E272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             DTV DELAY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S 352, the DTV Delay 
Act.
  America is unready and as always, the poor and elderly are the most 
at risk. In my district alone, 4,569 people have requested vouchers for 
their analog televisions and have not yet received the coupons. Unless 
Congress acts, these televisions will flicker black. These constituents 
will not be able to hear news alerts, be notified of national 
emergencies and continue to be connected to the outside world through 
their televisions because the Government didn't follow through with a 
promise to provide DTV vouchers.
  It is the Federal Government that for years, has been assuring these 
constituents that their televisions will not turn black as long as they 
follow through with the instructions and submit requests for digital 
television vouchers. It is imperative that we delay implementation of 
the digital transmission and fulfill the commitment we have made to our 
constituents that have followed the rules.
  The legislation being considered today has important provisions which 
allow the FCC with flexibility in implementing these requirements. The 
bill permits the FCC to approve full DTV conversion in markets where 
the consumers are prepared for the transition before the hard date in 
June. Where the transition does occur before the June 12th date, this 
legislation allows first responders to take over the airwaves 
immediately once the analog signal space is open.
  While this delay is unfortunate, it is a necessary step to assure 
that the millions of Americans televisions will not go dark because of 
a bureaucratic snafu.
  In the multiple media markets in Ohio, 6.88 percent of the Dayton 
market is unready for the digital transition, 5.91 percent of the

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Cleveland market, 4.4 percent of the Detroit market and 4.29 percent of 
the Columbus market. I urge a Yes vote on this legislation because I 
cannot simply turn my back on this many constituents.

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