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The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 3439) to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission for establishing rules authorizing the operation on new, low power FM radio stations:

• Mr. PITTS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3439, the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act, because it protects the interests of all parties affected by low-power FM.

• I have several small and independent broadcasters in my district. They provide important services to communities in Lancaster and Chester Counties, PA. Unfortunately, the FCC Low-Power FM rule threatens these broadcasters and many like them across the country.

• While the intentions of the FCC are good, its policy is bad. The FCC's low-power FM policy does not provide adequate safeguards against broadcasting interference.

• Do we really want to increase the burden for these small and independent stations, many of which are already struggling to stay on the air? I think not.

• For this reason, we need to pass H.R. 3439 and protect FM station license holders in small, rural markets where there are already limited opportunities for stations to sell the advertising that covers operating expenses.

• H.R. 3439 makes sure we take a hard look at the consequences of low-power FM by requiring the FCC to conduct an economic impact study of low-power FM on existing broadcasters, with an emphasis on minority and small-market broadcasters. This bill also requires the FCC to properly conduct tests to prevent broadcast interference.

• I thank my colleague, Mr. OXLEY, for introducing this important bill. We must ensure all parties affected by low-power FM--existing small and independent broadcasters, public radio stations, and radio listeners--are given the consideration they deserve.

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