S.Amdt. 4521

SA 4521, submitted by Mr. LUJAN, aims to add a section called "BROADCAST FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE" to bill S. 1383. The purpose of this amendment is to protect the independence of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from political pressure and to prevent the agency from taking action against individuals based on their viewpoints.

Changes and Additions

The amendment adds the following to the bill:

• Findings on FCC Independence: It establishes that the FCC is an independent agency and that its priorities and agenda must be set without undue influence from the President or the President's advisors who do not work for the FCC. It also states that threats of action or inaction must not be used to intimidate broadcast licensees into following a political agenda.

• Viewpoint Protection: It adds a new section to Title I of the Communications Act of 1934 that prohibits the FCC from:

  • Revoking licenses or taking action against any person based on the viewpoints they broadcast or disseminate.
  • Placing conditions on transaction reviews based on the viewpoints of the person seeking approval, their successor, or their affiliates.

• Limitations on Protection: These protections do not stop the FCC from taking action regarding:

  • Violations of specific sections of title 18, United States Code (sections 1304, 1343, and 1464).
  • Content that is considered incitement under the First Amendment.