TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Addresses

Where's the Public? Media Reform in the Digital Age: Charles Benton, E771-E773 [26AP]

Amendments

Government regulations: clarify prohibition on junk fax transmissions (S. 714), S7379, S7380, S7382 [24JN]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), H662 [16FE]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), consideration (H. Res. 95), H642 [16FE]

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act: extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2167), H13180 [22DE]

Analyses

Electronic Communications Privacy Judicial Review and Improvement Act (S. 693), S3155 [4AP]

Articles and editorials

Congress Should Retreat in `Indecency' War, E283 [18FE]

Qualms About Anti-Terror Law Unite the Left and Right, S13564 [14DE]

Real Green Mountain Patriot, S13564 [14DE]

Bills and resolutions

Advertising: prohibit as indecent the broadcasting of any advertisement for a medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (see H.R. 1420), H1693 [17MR]

Armed Forces: improve computer access for members serving in combat zones so that such members can communicate via e-mail (see H.R. 545), H349 [2FE]

Business and industry: establish a grant program to support broadband-based economic development efforts (see H.R. 146), H76 [4JA]

———establish market driven marketplace, eliminate government managed competition of existing communication service, and provide parity between functionally equivalent services (see S. 1504), S9157 [27JY]

———prevent excessive concentration of ownership of the nation's media outlets, restore fairness in broadcasting, and foster and promote localism, diversity, and competition in the media (see H.R. 3302), H5913 [14JY]

———promote deployment of competitive video services, eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulation, and further the development of next generation broadband networks (see S. 1349), S7820 [30JN]

———promote deployment of competitive video services and eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulation (see H.R. 3146), H5600 [30JN]

———promote the widespread availability of communications services and the integrity of communication facilities, and encourage investment in communication networks (see S. 2113), S13659 [15DE]

Communications Satellite Act: strike privatization criteria for International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) separated entities and remove certain restrictions on separated and successor entities (see S. 1282), S6910 [21JN]

Computers: develop and deploy technologies to defeat Internet jamming (see H.R. 2216), H3112 [10MY]

———encourage broadband technology deployment to rural areas (see S. 497), S1931 [2MR]

———expand computer and telecommunications advancements in rural areas (see H.R. 144), H76 [4JA]

———protect the reasonable expectation of privacy of users of e-mail (see S. 936), S4546 [28AP] (see H.R. 3503), H7556 [28JY]

———provide greater cybersecurity (see H.R. 285), H137 [6JA]

———provide unexpended universal service funds to low-income schools for updating of computer hardware (see H.R. 102), H135 [6JA]

Consumers: safeguard the rights and expectations of consumers who lawfully obtain digital entertainment (see H.R. 4536), H11653 [14DE]

Dept. of Defense: extend current telecommunications benefit program through the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and apply program to other contingency operations (see H.R. 2366), H3330 [16MY]

Dept. of Homeland Security: create an inspection program that uses videophone systems at certain points of entry in Florida to satisfy certain reporting requirements (see H.R. 1509), H1845 [6AP]

———develop and implement the Responsive Emergency Alert and Dissemination of Information Call (READICall) System (see H.R. 2101), H2977 [4MY]

———provide improved and up-to-date communications equipment for the New York City Fire Dept. (see H.R. 1794), H2471 [21AP]

Digital Opportunity Investment Trust: establish (see S. 1023), S5071 [12MY] (see H.R. 2512), H3694 [19MY]

Disasters: develop and implement an emergency backup communications system (see S. 1703), S10037 [14SE]

———establish a unified national hazard alert system (see S. 1753), S10378 [22SE]

Families and domestic relations: establish grants to improve and study the National Domestic Violence Hotline (see H.R. 696), H521 [9FE]

FCC: allow the operation of low-power FM radio stations that do not interfere with the transmissions of full-power stations and protect radio reading services (see S. 312), S1115 [8FE]

———amend media ownership rules (see H.R. 1622), H1969 [13AP]

———expedite and increase assignment of radio spectrum frequencies to public safety agencies (see H.R. 1646), H2101 [14AP]

———implement recommendations relative to low-power FM radio service (see H.R. 3731), H7859 [13SE]

———increase participation by small businesses in spectrum auctions (see H.R. 1661), H2101 [14AP]

———oppose rules authorizing Broadband Over Power Line Systems without more comprehensive evaluation of interference potential to public safety services and other licensed radio services (see H. Res. 230), H2472 [21AP]

———protect children from increasing depictions of indecent and gratuitous and excessive violent material on television (see S. 616), S2644 [14MR]

———reevaluate band plans for certain frequencies and reconfigure them to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic areas (see S. 1767), S10424 [26SE]

———reinstate rules for the description of video programming (see S. 900), S4257 [26AP] (see H.R. 951), H794 [17FE]

———reorganize the bureaus of the Commission to better carry out their regulatory functions (see H.R. 2982), H4722 [17JN]

———require report on ownership and control of broadcast stations used to serve language minorities (see H.R. 148), H76 [4JA]

———review market conditions of domestic and international satellite services to promote fair competition (see S. 976), S4547 [28AP]

———treat private land use rules as State or local regulations for purposes of certain Federal regulations (see H.R. 3876), H8341 [22SE]

Federal-State relations: strengthen Federal leadership, provide grants, enhance outreach and guidance, and provide other support to State and local officials to enhance emergency communications capabilities (see S. 1725), S10187 [19SE]

FTC: revise regulations regarding the ``do-not-call'' registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry (see H.R. 1950), H2734 [28AP]

———revise telemarketing rules to prohibit calls from certain political organizations to persons on the ``do-not-call'' registry (see H.R. 4072), H8918 [18OC]

Government: improve conduct of strategic communication (see H.R. 1869), H2646 [27AP]

Government regulations: clarify prohibition on junk fax transmissions (see S. 714), S3277 [6AP]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (see S. 193), S574 [26JA] (see H.R. 310), H193 [25JA]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), consideration (see H. Res. 95), H627 [15FE]

———require rate integration for wireless interstate toll charges (see H.R. 4584), H12048 [16DE]

———shorten term of broadcast licenses and improve public access to broadcasters' public interests and programming information (see S. 383), S1413 [15FE] (see H.R. 1665), H2101 [14AP]

Health: achieve a national health information infrastructure and establish a refundable tax credit for expenditures of health care providers implementing such infrastructure (see H.R. 747), H581 [10FE]

———improve quality in health care by providing incentives for adoption of modern information technology (see S. 1227), S6404 [13JN]

———provide access to telehealth services in the home (see H.R. 3588), H7560 [28JY]

Local government: prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information, or cable services except to remedy market failures by private enterprise to provide such services (see H.R. 2726), H4141 [26MY]

Medicare: establish pilot projects to provide incentives for home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technologies (see S. 1733), S10233 [20SE]

———improve the provision of telehealth services (see S. 1909), S11768 [24OC] (see H.R. 2807), H4295 [8JN]

National security: establish a first responder interoperable communications grant program (see S. 1645), S9833 [8SE] (see S. 1762), S10378 [22SE]

———provide for judicial review of national security letters issued to wire and electronic communications service providers (see S. 693), S3147 [4AP]

———provide grants and other support to achieve communications interoperability in the U.S. (see H.R. 1251), H1370 [10MR]

———reform issuance of national security letters (see S. 1680), S9930 [12SE]

National Security Agency: express concern that Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants violates existing law (see H. Con. Res. 330), H13189 [22DE]

———request President and direct Dept. of Defense to transmit documents on Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants (see H. Res. 645), H13189 [22DE]

———request President and direct Dept. of Justice to transmit documents on Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants (see H. Res. 644), H13189 [22DE]

———request President to transmit documents on Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants (see H. Res. 641), H12289 [18DE]

———require Dept. of Justice to submit documents on Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants (see H. Res. 643), H13189 [22DE]

Native Americans: establish grant programs for the development of telecommunications capacities in Indian country (see S. 535), S2148 [7MR]

Political campaigns: clarify disclosure requirements of identifying information within certain campaign communications (see H.R. 1580), H1895 [12AP]

———require disclosure of certain information by persons conducting phone banks during campaigns for Federal office (see H.R. 338), H194 [25JA] (see H.R. 491), H285 [1FE]

Privacy: prohibit certain video and audio monitoring of employees by their employers (see H.R. 582), H352 [2FE]

———protect and enhance consumer privacy (see H.R. 1263), H1371 [10MR] (see H.R. 3140), H5599 [30JN]

———protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and procedures to protect computerized data containing personal information and require data breach notification (see H.R. 4127), H9102 [25OC]

———protect rights of subscribers to wireless communication services (see S. 1350), S7820 [30JN] (see H.R. 1139), H988 [7MR]

———protection of Social Security numbers and other personal information (see H.R. 82), H74 [4JA]

———regulate use of personal information obtained by interactive computer services (see H.R. 84), H74 [4JA]

Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools To End the Exploitation of Children Today (PROTECT) Act: modify standards for issuance of an AMBER Alert (see S. 133), S145 [24JA] (see H.R. 96), H74 [4JA]

Public lands: clarify method to determine fair market value of rights-of-way to prevent unreasonable increases in deployment costs of critical infrastructure (see H.R. 906), H792 [17FE]

Radio: ensure the availability of spectrum to amateur radio operators (see S. 1236), S6481 [14JN] (see H.R. 691), H521 [9FE]

Rural areas: equitably distribute universal service support (see S. 284), S978 [3FE]

———expand access to broadband services (see H.R. 1479), H1777 [5AP]

———expand contribution base and establish separate fund within the universal service fund to support deployment of broadband services in unserved areas (see S. 1583), S9467 [29JY]

Safety: establish a permanent grant program to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment (see H.R. 1323), H1508 [15MR]

———provide grants and other support to State and local officials to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment (see S. 1274), S6909 [21JN] (see H.R. 4119), H9043 [20OC]

Taxation: allow credits to radio station owners who donate the license and other assets of such station to a nonprofit corporation that supports the fine arts (see H.R. 2904), H4560 [15JN]

———allow expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures (see S. 1147), S6021 [26MY]

———ensure that the Federal excise tax on communication services does not apply to Internet access service (see S. 758), S3414 [11AP]

———include wireless telecommunications equipment in definition of qualified technological equipment for purposes of depreciation (see S. 1441), S8664 [21JY] (see H.R. 3367), H6204 [20JY]

———increase deduction for purchase of qualified heath care information technology by medical care providers and allow a credit for telecommunications charges paid or incurred by such providers (see H.R. 4641), H12289 [18DE]

———make permanent the moratorium on the taxation of Internet and interactive computer service commerce (see S. 849), S3897 [19AP] (see H.R. 1684, 1685), H2148 [19AP]

———prohibit the double taxation of telecommuters and others who work at home (see S. 1097), S5778 [23MY] (see H.R. 2558), H3768 [23MY]

———provide for a tax deferral on gain from the sale of certain telecommunications businesses or tax incentives to promote ownership diversity (see H.R. 1473), H1777 [5AP]

———repeal excise tax on telephone use and other communications services (see S. 1321), S7520 [28JN] (see H.R. 1898), H2646 [27AP]

Technology: preserve and protect the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services (see S. 1294), S7293 [23JN]

———promote and enhance public safety and encourage rapid deployment of IP-enabled voice services for emergency response networks (see S. 1063), S5437 [18MY] (see H.R. 2418), H3554 [18MY]

———promote deployment of, and investment in, advanced Internet communications services (see H.R. 214), H78 [4JA]

———rechannelize certain spectrum bands to promote deployment of commercial broadband technologies to facilitate interoperable communications for public safety (see H.R. 4626), H12167 [17DE]

Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act: apply to charities only if the solicitation of such charities involves fraud or deception (see H.R. 4425), H11034 [18NO]

Telephones: facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on health and human services (see H.R. 896), H792 [17FE]

———facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services (see S. 211), S647 [31JA]

———require customer consent to the provision of wireless call location information (see H.R. 83), H74 [4JA]

———require providers of wireless telephone services to provide access to the universal emergency telephone number in subterranean subway stations located within their area of coverage (see H.R. 733), H523 [9FE]

Television: ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed (see S. 1237), S6481 [14JN] (see S. 1268), S6825 [20JN]

———ensure full access to digital television in areas served by low-power television (see S. 1600), S9468 [29JY]

———provide grants to train court reporters and other individuals to become real-time writers to meet requirements for closed captioning of video programming (see S. 268), S886 [2FE]

———reinstate authority of the FCC and local franchising authorities to regulate cable television rates (see H.R. 1730), H2393 [20AP]

———require multi-channel video programming distributors to provide a kid-friendly tier of programming (see S. 946), S4546 [28AP]

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act: clarify conditions for the interceptions of computer trespass communications (see S. 318), S1115 [8FE]

———extend sunsets (see H.R. 4647), H13188 [22DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (see S. 2082), S13451 [12DE] (see S. 2118), S13659 [15DE] (see S. 2167), S14317 [21DE] (see H.R. 4506), H11503 [13DE]

———limit use of surveillance and issuance of search warrants (see S. 737), S3278 [6AP]

Universal Service Administration Co.: exempt from Antideficiency Act accounting rules to improve administration of, and prevent increases in, contributions to the Universal Service Fund (see S. 241), S739 [1FE] (see H.R. 2533), H3768 [23MY]

Letters

Dept. of HHS telehealth programs funding: Rick Pollack, American Hospital Association, S11908 [26OC]

Dept. of Homeland Security grants to State and local governments for interoperable communication equipment: several public safety officials' organizations, S14126 [20DE]

Health Information Technology Act: Andrew M. Mekelberg, Verizon Communications, Inc., S6413 [13JN]

———Brian Peters, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, S6413 [13JN]

———Christopher Caine, IBM Corp., S6412 [13JN]

———Daniel R. Hawkins, Jr., National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., S6412 [13JN]

———Foundation for eHealth Initiative, S6412 [13JN]

———H. Stephen Lieber and Pamela R. Wirth, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, S6413 [13JN]

———Hal Daub, American Health Care Association, S6412 [13JN]

———Kenneth R. Baker, Altarum Institute, S6413 [13JN]

———Michael Fleming, American Academy of Family Physicians, S6411 [13JN]

———Scott Decker and Jonathan Teich, HealthVision, Inc., S6412 [13JN]

Korean Fair Trade Commission decision against Microsoft Corp.: Senator Murray, S14304 [21DE]

Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants: Senators Reid, Rockefeller, and Leahy, S14277 [21DE]

Memorandums

Digital Television Transition Date: Several First Responders Organizations, S12198 [2NO]

Petitions and memorials

Idaho: Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act, S13624 [15DE]

Remarks in House

Advertising: prohibit as indecent the broadcasting of any advertisement for a medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (H.R. 1420), E498 [17MR]

Armed Forces: tribute to ``America Supports You'' program, H1739 [5AP]

Business and industry: implement certain reforms, E179 [8FE]

———prevent excessive concentration of ownership of media outlets, E771 [26AP]

———promote deployment of competitive video services and eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulation (H.R. 3146), H6940 [28JY]

China, People's Republic of: Internet self-censorship by certain companies doing business in China, H4784 [20JN]

Communications Satellite Act: strike privatization criteria for International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) separated entities and remove certain restrictions on separated and successor entities (S. 1282), H5372 [29JN]

Computer Community Outreach and Education Program (organization): anniversary, E1343 [24JN]

Computers: provide greater cybersecurity, H3458 [18MY]

Corp. for Public Broadcasting: politicization of public broadcasting programs, H5129-H5131 [24JN]

———politicization of public broadcasting programs and creation of the Office of Ombudsmen, E2393 [17NO]

Courts: require timely notification to the issuing judge of any changes in the location of roving wiretaps, H6252-H6254 [21JY]

Democratic Party: development of innovation agenda to improve scientific research and development, telecommunications technology, and energy independence, H11277-H11279 [8DE]

Dept. of Defense: extend current telecommunications benefit program through the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom and apply program to other contingency operations (H.R. 2366), E986 [16MY]

———satellite communications language training activities funding, H4733 [20JN]

Dept. of Homeland Security: establish a program for use of advanced technology and communication to meet homeland security needs along borders, H546-H548 [10FE]

———include satellite communications in border protection policy, H11837, H11838 [15DE]

———provide improved and up-to-date communications equipment for the New York City Fire Dept. (H.R. 1794), E729 [21AP]

Digital Opportunity Investment Trust: establish (H.R. 2512), E1047 [20MY]

E-Government Act: funding, H4530 [15JN]

Fairchild, Diana: Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications Silent Hero Award recipient, E1446 [11JY]

Families and domestic relations: establish grants to improve and study the National Domestic Violence Hotline (H.R. 696), E190 [9FE]

FCC: conduct proceeding on unlicensed operation of wireless broadband devices in vacant broadcast bands, E2447 [6DE]

———conduct proceeding on unlicensed operaton of wireless broadband devices in vacant broadcast bands, H10630 [17NO]

———ensure regular updates to the Industry Guidance Regarding Broadcast Decency document, H660 [16FE]

———expedite and increase assignment of radio spectrum frequencies to public safety agencies (H.R. 1646), E665 [15AP]

———increase participation by small businesses in spectrum auctions (H.R. 1661), E662 [15AP]

———reinstate rules for the description of video programming (H.R. 951), E285 [18FE]

Government: improve conduct of strategic communication (H.R. 1869), E781 [27AP]

Government regulations: clarify prohibition on junk fax transmissions (S. 714), H5262-H5265 [28JN]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), H653-H664 [16FE], E283 [18FE], E323 [1MR]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), amendment process, H568 [10FE]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), consideration (H. Res. 95), H635-H643 [16FE]

———require rate integration for wireless interstate toll charges (H.R. 4584), E2590 [17DE]

———shorten term of broadcast licenses and improve public access to broadcasters' public interests and programming information (H.R. 1665), E663 [15AP]

House of Representatives: legislative priorities, H4145 [7JN]

Information services: conduct feasibility study to expand high-speed Internet access to rural areas, H1051 [9MR]

Intrado Inc.: tribute, E536 [5AP]

Law enforcement: expand wire-tap authority to include offenses that are terrorism related, H6276, H6277 [21JY]

Michigan: tribute to economic development efforts, E623 [12AP]

National security: establish a first responder interoperable communications grant program, H10631 [17NO]

———provide grants and other support to achieve communications interoperability in the U.S., H3457 [18MY]

———reform issuance of national security letters, H9965 [8NO], H11527 [14DE]

National Security Agency: Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants, H12054, H12055, H12056, H12145 [17DE], H12225, H12226 [18DE], E2625 [19DE]

———require Dept. of Justice to submit documents on Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants (H. Res. 643), E2646 [22DE]

Political campaigns: require disclosure of certain information by persons conducting phone banks during campaigns for Federal office (H.R. 338), H201 [26JA], E68 [25JA]

———require disclosure of certain information by persons conducting phone banks during campaigns for Federal office (H.R. 491), E115 [1FE]

Privacy: prohibit certain video and audio monitoring of employees by their employers (H.R. 582), E152 [2FE]

Radio One, Inc.: anniversary, E2454 [6DE]

Rural areas: expand access to broadband services (H.R. 1479), E585 [7AP]

Safety: establish a permanent grant program to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment, H3193-H3195 [11MY]

———establish a permanent grant program to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment (H.R. 1323), H3274 [16MY], H8141-H8146 [20SE]

———provide grants and other support to State and local officials to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment (H.R. 4119), E2140 [20OC]

Taxation: repeal excise tax on telephone use and other communications services (H.R. 1898), H4989 [23JN], E804 [27AP]

Telecommunications: implement certain reforms, E179 [8FE]

Telephones: facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on health and human services (H.R. 896), E284 [18FE]

Television: move forward the date on which the transition to digital television is to occur, H10628-H10630 [17NO]

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act: extend sunsets (H.R. 4647), H13178 [22DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, H11515-H11520, H11522, H11523 [14DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (H.R. 4506), H11533 [14DE], E2511 [13DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2167), H13179-H13181 [22DE]

———modify sunsets on wiretap authority, library and bookseller records, and lone wolf provisions, H10084, H10107 [9NO], H10360 [16NO], E2325 [10NO]

———reauthorize, H4492 [15JN]

Universal Service Administration Co.: exempt from Antideficiency Act accounting rules to improve administration of, and prevent increases in, contributions to the Universal Service Fund (H.R. 2533), E1063 [23MY]

Venezuela: Broadcasting Board of Governors radio and television broadcasts funding, H6126, H6127 [20JY]

Remarks in Senate

Budget: allocate certain excess proceeds from the spectrum auction to deficit reduction, emergency communications interoperability, and assistance to disaster-affected coastal States, S12310 [3NO]

———allocation of funds, S13991 [19DE]

Business and industry: promote deployment of competitive video services, eliminate redundant and unnecessary regulation, and further the development of next generation broadband networks (S. 1349), S7831-S7832 [30JN]

Communications Satellite Act: strike privatization criteria for International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) separated entities and remove certain restrictions on separated and successor entities (S. 1282), S6977 [21JN]

Computers: encourage broadband technology deployment to rural areas (S. 497), S1943 [2MR]

———protect the reasonable expectation of privacy of users of e-mail (S. 936), S4553 [28AP]

Corp. for Public Broadcasting: politicization of public broadcasting programs, S7375 [24JN], S7408 [27JN], S14308 [21DE]

Dept. of Defense: ensure fairness and balance in political programming on the American Forces Network, S12474-S12482 [8NO]

———prohibit funding to use aircraft to transmit TV Marti signals into Cuba, S8378 [15JY]

———satellite capacity procurement policies, S12599 [9NO]

———U.S. Northern Command IMT-2000 3G Communications Capabilities implementation funding, S11096 [5OC]

Dept. of HHS: telehealth programs funding, S11908 [26OC], S11958 [27OC]

Dept. of Homeland Security: first responder interoperable communications funding, S8157, S8160 [13JY], S8253, S8254 [14JY]

Disasters: develop and implement an emergency backup communications system (S. 1703), S10045 [14SE], S10716 [29SE]

FCC: allow the operation of low-power FM radio stations that do not interfere with the transmissions of full-power stations and protect radio reading services (S. 312), S1123-S1125 [8FE]

———protect children from increasing depictions of indecent and gratuitous and excessive violent material on television (S. 616), S2649 [14MR]

———reevaluate band plans for certain frequencies and reconfigure them to include spectrum to be licensed for small geographic areas (S. 1767), S10426 [26SE]

———reinstate rules for the description of video programming (S. 900), S4259 [26AP]

———reorganization, S10069 [15SE]

———review market conditions of domestic and international satellite services to promote fair competition (S. 976), S4607 [28AP]

Federal-State relations: strengthen Federal leadership, provide grants, enhance outreach and guidance, and provide other support to State and local officials to enhance emergency communications capabilities (S. 1725), S10196 [19SE]

Government regulations: clarify prohibition on junk fax transmissions (S. 714), S3280 [6AP]

———increase penalties for violations by television and radio broadcasters of the prohibitions against transmission of obscene, indecent, and profane material (H.R. 310), S1694 [17FE], S1724 [18FE]

———shorten term of broadcast licenses and improve public access to broadcasters' public interests and programming information (S. 383), S1424 [15FE]

Health: improve quality in health care by providing incentives for adoption of modern information technology (S. 1227), S6410-S6413 [13JN]

Iraq: Advanced First Responders Network funding, S4838, S4839 [10MY]

Korean Fair Trade Commission: decision against Microsoft Corp., S14303 [21DE]

Library of Congress: Books for the Blind and Physically Handicapped program NFB-NEWSLINE service funding, S7749 [30JN]

Medicare: establish pilot projects to provide incentives for home health agencies to utilize home monitoring and communications technologies (S. 1733), S10237 [20SE]

———improve the provision of telehealth services (S. 1909), S11769 [24OC]

National security: establish a first responder interoperable communications grant program, S9962-S9965, S9973 [13SE], S10003 [14SE]

———establish a first responder interoperable communications grant program (S. 1645), S9849 [8SE]

———provide for judicial review of national security letters issued to wire and electronic communications service providers (S. 693), S3154 [4AP]

———reform issuance of national security letters, S10582 [28SE], S13525, S13556, S13559 [14DE], S13619, S13626 [15DE]

———reform issuance of national security letters (S. 1680), S9939 [12SE]

National Security Agency: Presidential authorization of electronic surveillance of certain U.S. citizens without court-approved warrants, S13736, S13739 [16DE], S14134, S14137, S14140 [20DE], S14276-S14280 [21DE]

Native Americans: establish grant programs for the development of telecommunications capacities in Indian country (S. 535), S2150 [7MR]

Privacy: protect rights of subscribers to wireless communication services (S. 1350), S7833 [30JN]

Rural areas: equitably distribute universal service support (S. 284), S985 [3FE]

———expand contribution base and establish separate fund within the universal service fund to support deployment of broadband services in unserved areas (S. 1583), S9505-S9507 [29JY]

Safety: provide grants and other support to State and local officials to improve public safety communications and the interoperability of emergency communications equipment (S. 1274), S6912-S6917 [21JN]

Supreme Court: decision blocking implementation of FCC rules relaxing media ownership restrictions, S6356 [13JN]

Taxation: allow expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures (S. 1147), S6039 [26MY]

———include wireless telecommunications equipment in definition of qualified technological equipment for purposes of depreciation (S. 1441), S8667 [21JY]

———prohibit the double taxation of telecommuters and others who work at home (S. 1097), S5781 [23MY]

———repeal excise tax on telephone use and other communications services (S. 1321), S7526 [28JN]

Technology: preserve and protect the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services (S. 1294), S7298, S7299 [23JN]

Telephones: facilitate nationwide availability of 2-1-1 telephone service for information and referral on human services (S. 211), S657 [31JA]

Television: eliminate digital television converter box subsidy program funding, S12325 [3NO]

———ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed (S. 1237), S6486 [14JN]

———ensure availability of certain spectrum for public safety entities by establishing a certain date by which the transition to digital television shall be completed (S. 1268), S6828 [20JN], S9973 [13SE]

———ensure full access to digital television in areas served by low-power television, S14211 [21DE]

———ensure full access to digital television in areas served by low-power television (S. 1600), S9520 [29JY]

———move forward the date on which the transition to digital television is to occur, S12197, S12201, S12202 [2NO], S12308, S12309 [3NO]

———provide grants to train court reporters and other individuals to become real-time writers to meet requirements for closed captioning of video programming (S. 268), S900 [2FE], S7939 [1JY]

———require multi-channel video programming distributors to provide a kid-friendly tier of programming (S. 946), S4565 [28AP], S13740 [16DE]

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act: clarify conditions for the interceptions of computer trespass communications (S. 318), S1133 [8FE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions (S. 2082), unanimous-consent request, S13720 [16DE], S13996 [19DE], S14084, S14085, S14088 [20DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions (S. 2167), unanimous-consent agreement, S14233 [21DE], S14424 [22DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, S13564 [14DE], S13619, S13624, S13626, S13629 [15DE], S14009 [19DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2082), S13453 [12DE], S13463-S13467 [13DE], S13620 [15DE], S13692, S13701, S13708-S13721, S13768, S13769 [16DE], S13995-S14000, S14004 [19DE], S14085-S14089, S14132 [20DE]

———extend sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (S. 2167), S14234, S14275-S14281 [21DE]

———limit use of surveillance and issuance of search warrants, S13557, S13560 [14DE], S13619, S13620, S13623, S13624, S13626 [15DE], S13711, S13714, S13716, S13718, S13721 [16DE], S13998, S13999 [19DE], S14165-S14167 [20DE]

———reauthorize, S6080-S6082 [6JN], S6147 [7JN]

Universal Service Administration Co.: exempt from Antideficiency Act accounting rules to improve administration of, and prevent increases in, contributions to the Universal Service Fund, S10072 [15SE]

———exempt from Antideficiency Act accounting rules to improve administration of, and prevent increases in, contributions to the Universal Service Fund (S. 241), S749 [1FE]

Reports filed

Assure Emergency and Interoperable Communications for First Responders Act: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Senate) (S. 1725), S10722 [29SE]

Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act: Committee on Energy and Commerce (House) (H.R. 310) (H. Rept. 109-5), H586 [14FE]

Consideration of H.R. 310, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act: Committee on Rules (House) (H. Res. 95) (H. Rept. 109-6), H627 [15FE]

IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 1063) (S. Rept. 109-211), S14185 [20DE]

Junk Fax Prevention Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 714) (S. Rept. 109-76), S6153 [7JN]

Training for Realtime Writers Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 268) (S. Rept. 109-93), S7428 [27JN]

Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Senate) (S. 1753) (S. Rept. 109-204), S13450 [12DE]

Statements

Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act: Executive Office of the President, H656 [16FE]

———John King, Vermont Public Television, H640 [16FE]

Texts of

H. Res. 95, consideration of H.R. 310, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act, H635 [16FE]

H.R. 310, Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act, H653-H655 [16FE]

H.R. 4647, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act extension of sunsets, H13178 [22DE]

S. 133, AMBER Response Act, S348 [24JA]

S. 268, Training for Realtime Writers Act, S901 [2FE], S7939-S7941 [1JY]

S. 284, Rural Universal Service Equity Act, S986 [3FE]

S. 312, Local Community Radio Act, S1123 [8FE]

S. 318, Computer Trespass Clarification Act, S1134 [8FE]

S. 497, Broadband Rural Revitalization Act, S1944-S1946 [2MR]

S. 535, Native American Connectivity Act, S2151 [7MR]

S. 616, Indecent and Gratuitous and Excessively Violent Programming Control Act, S2650-S2652 [14MR]

S. 693, Electronic Communications Privacy Judicial Review and Improvement Act, S3155 [4AP]

S. 714, Junk Fax Prevention Act, S3280 [6AP], S7382 [24JN], H5262 [28JN]

S. 936, E-Mail Privacy Act, S4553 [28AP]

S. 946, Kid Friendly TV Programming Act, S4565 [28AP]

S. 976, review market conditions of domestic and international satellite services to promote fair competition, S4607 [28AP]

S. 1023, Digital Opportunity Investment Trust Act, S5156 [12MY]

S. 1063, IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, S5440 [18MY]

S. 1097, Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act, S5782 [23MY]

S. 1147, allow expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures, S6040-S6042 [26MY]

S. 1227, Health Information Technology Act, S6414-S6417 [13JN]

S. 1268, Spectrum Availability for Emergency-Response and Law-Enforcement To Improve Vital Emergency Services (SAVE LIVES) Act, S6828-S6831 [20JN]

S. 1274, Improve Interoperable Communications for First Responders Act, S6912-S6915 [21JN]

S. 1282, strike Communications Satellite Act privatization criteria for International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (INTELSAT) separated entities and remove certain restrictions on separated and successor entities, S6977 [21JN], H5372 [29JN]

S. 1294, Community Broadband Act, S7298 [23JN]

S. 1349, Video Choice Act, S7832 [30JN]

S. 1350, Wireless 411 Privacy Act, S7834 [30JN]

S. 1441, include wireless telecommunications equipment in definition of qualified technological equipment for purposes of depreciation, S8667 [21JY]

S. 1583, Universal Service for the 21st Century Act, S9506 [29JY]

S. 1703, Communications Security Act, S10045 [14SE]

S. 1725, Assure Emergency and Interoperable Communications for First Responders Act, S10196-S10200 [19SE]

S. 2082, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act extension of sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, S13454 [12DE]

S. 2167, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act extension of sunsets and lone wolf provisions of Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, S14281 [21DE], S14424 [22DE], H13180 [22DE]