May 2, 2006
Senator Stevens Refuses To Allow The Senate To Vote On Indecency Bill
Urge your Senators to contact Senator Stevens today!
Dear Karen,
On February 16, 2005, the Broadcast Indecency Enforcement Act was introduced as H.R.310 and sailed through the House, 389-38. This bill raises fines against broadcasters when they violate the indecency laws.
Since then Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has held three sets of hearings. Family and consumer groups have been shortchanged in these hearings, which have resulted in no action.
Senator Stevens has held this bill hostage for over 14 months. During the last hearing, Senator Stevens actually loaded the testimony panel with seven broadcast industry executives, while only allowing one non-industry leader
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Broadcasters are now suing in federal court. They are claiming a so-called right to broadcast the "f" word, the "s" word and even hardcore pornography into our homes. All the while, H.R. 310 gathers dust in the U.S. Senate because of Sen. Stevens.
Why won't Sen. Stevens allow the Senate to vote on the bill? He says the networks are doing a good job policing themselves. Can you believe that a U.S. Senator actually said that?!
You also need to remember that this is an election year and broadcasters are very generous political donors. That means that unless there is an outpouring of protest, this bill will do what Sen. Stevens wants—die in committee.
AFA made several attempts to discuss our concerns with Senator Stevens. His office staff did not return our calls and emails.
Sen. Stevens is a Republican in a Republican controlled Senate. If Sen. Stevens wanted this bill passed, he could have it done months ago. I guess we will see who is
more important to the U.S. Senate—the broadcasters or the people.
Take Action |
First, send your email to your two U.S. senators and urge them to ask Sen. Stevens to bring H.R. 310 up for a vote.
Next, place a call directly to Sen. Stevens and ask him to bring H.R. 310 up for a vote. His staff may give you a political run-a-round about why the Senator refuses to allow a vote. Some politicians have a way of talking out of both sides of their mouth. Just be nice and polite and tell his office you expect the Senator to allow a vote. His direct number is 202-224-3004.
Finally, forward this to your friends and family. |
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If you think our efforts are worthy, would you please support us with a small gift? Thank you for caring enough to get involved.
Sincerely,
![](http://www.afa.net/aatemplate/images/donsig.gif)
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
P.S. Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends!