[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 126 (Monday, July 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H3644-H3646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REAFFIRMING COMMITMENT TO MEDIA DIVERSITY

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 277) reaffirming the commitment to media 
diversity and pledging to work with media entities and diverse 
stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate barriers 
to media diversity.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 277

       Whereas the principle that an informed and engaged 
     electorate is critical to a vibrant democracy is deeply 
     rooted in our laws of free speech and underpins the virtues 
     on which we established our Constitution, ``in Order to form 
     a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic 
     Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the 
     general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to 
     ourselves and our Posterity . . .'';
       Whereas having independent, diverse, and local media that 
     provide exposure to a broad

[[Page H3645]]

     range of viewpoints and the ability to contribute to the 
     political debate is central to sustaining that informed 
     engagement;
       Whereas it is in the public interest to encourage source, 
     content, and audience diversity on our Nation's shared 
     telecommunications and media platforms;
       Whereas the survival of small, independent, and diverse 
     media outlets that serve diverse audiences and local media 
     markets is essential to preserving local culture and building 
     understanding on important community issues that impact the 
     daily lives of residents;
       Whereas research by the American Society of News Editors, 
     the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Pew 
     Research Center, and others has documented the continued 
     challenges of increasing diversity among all types of media 
     entities;
       Whereas with increasing media experience and 
     sophistication, it is even more important to have minority 
     participation in local media to ensure a diverse range of 
     information sources are available and different ideas and 
     viewpoints are expressed to strengthen social cohesion among 
     different communities; and
       Whereas the constriction in small, independent, and diverse 
     media outlets and limited participation of diverse 
     populations in media ownership and decision making are 
     combining to negatively impact our goal of increasing local 
     civic engagement and civic knowledge through increased voter 
     participation, membership in civic groups, and knowledge of 
     local political and civil information: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) reaffirms its commitment to diversity as a core tenet 
     of the public interest standard in media policy; and
       (2) pledges to work with media entities and diverse 
     stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to eliminate 
     barriers to media diversity.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.


                             General Leave

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Res. 277.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 277, reaffirming the 
commitment to media diversity and pledging to work with media entities 
and diverse stakeholders to develop common ground solutions to 
eliminate barriers to media diversity.
  This resolution promotes much-needed diversity in the communications 
marketplace where we continue to see vast inequities. For example, the 
owners of broadcast and cable media outlets do not reflect our diverse 
population. Owners of these media outlets make critical decisions about 
the educational, political, entertainment, and news programming 
Americans watch. These decisions can influence people's opinions and 
perceptions.
  Mr. Speaker, diversity in viewpoints and diverse ownership of media 
outlets promotes programming that offers different perspectives and 
enables viewers to access programming that is relevant to them. A 
diverse media marketplace is also central to an informed and engaged 
electorate which is essential to a vibrant democracy.
  Committing to a diverse media marketplace--one that reflects our 
Nation--is a worthy goal, and this resolution reaffirms that goal.
  Today's resolution is a good step forward, but there is much more we 
need to do. The numbers and statistics are clear: our media marketplace 
does not resemble the people we serve.
  I want to commend Representative Demings for her work on this 
resolution and for continuing to bring attention to not only the lack 
of diversity in our media outlets, but also the impact that it has on 
our communities and on our Nation. I hope we can come together to do 
the additional work that is needed to improve the state of diversity 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution, and 
I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 277, a resolution 
introduced by our colleague, Mrs. Demings.
  This resolution reaffirms the commitment by Congress to work with 
media entities and diverse stakeholders to find common ground solutions 
to eliminate barriers to expanding diversity in our media. While 
today's resolution focuses specifically on broadcast stations, this 
problem is not unique to one segment of the industry, but to their 
cable and digital streaming competitors in the marketplace as well.
  I appreciate the many steps that the broadcast and cable industries 
have taken to not only recognize these barriers, but the many programs 
and initiatives they have put in place to promote opportunities for 
women, minorities, and veterans. However, data shows we have some room 
for improvement.
  While the House is considering this resolution today, it is my hope 
that we can work together in a bipartisan manner to address the 
inequality that this resolution seeks to address. Republicans on the 
Energy and Commerce Committee have put forward solutions to uplift 
minority voices and promote media diversity that can breathe life into 
this resolution before us today.
  Today, we are also considering H.R. 1754, the MEDIA Diversity Act, 
sponsored by Mr. Long, which would help us better understand the market 
and regulatory barriers for socially disadvantaged individuals to enter 
and compete in the marketplace so we can make informed policy 
decisions.
  We have also worked with advocates and industry alike as we try and 
find consensus on legislation to establish the long-sought-after 
broadcast incubator program to help increase the number of minority-
owned broadcast stations.
  Last Congress, Republicans introduced the Broadcast Diversity in 
Leadership Act, which would incentivize large, established broadcasters 
to work with aspiring broadcasters to break down barriers to capital 
and provide mentorship and experience to new minority entrants to 
ensure their longstanding success in serving their local communities.
  While the Supreme Court has recently reinstated the Republican-led 
pilot program, Congress should continue working to ensure it is 
expanded and made permanent with improved safeguards. We urge the 
majority to continue working with us on these important issues.
  With the passage of this resolution, we are affirming our commitment 
to work toward common ground solutions, and Republicans stand ready to 
work across the aisle to turn our common ground solutions into law.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings), who is the sponsor of the 
resolution.
  Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for 
this opportunity.
  We all know the United States is a diverse nation with diverse 
people, diverse viewpoints, and diverse perspectives. Every community 
in America--no matter their age, gender, ZIP Code, or income--should be 
allowed to tell their stories in their voices.
  Whether in news, movies, television, music, or more, it is important 
that our media represent the wonderful diversity of our great Nation. 
This resolution simply states that all Americans should have the 
opportunity to tell their story and hear their story told through their 
own eyes and voices.
  I am glad that our resolution reaffirming Congress' support of media 
diversity will be voted on this afternoon. As we work together to 
remove barriers, I am grateful to all of the congressional cosponsors 
on both sides of the aisle and media representatives who helped move 
this bill forward.
  Every child in America should hear a voice that sounds like theirs 
and see a face that looks like theirs. As we face some of America's 
greatest challenges, I am excited about the work still yet to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues again on both sides of the 
aisle for their support of this resolution.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers.

[[Page H3646]]

  In closing, Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H. Res. 277, I ask the 
House for its passage today, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I also urge my colleagues to support this 
bipartisan resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 277.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion 
are postponed.

                          ____________________