House accepts just two Dem amendments to FCC bill

By Pete Kasperowicz - 03/27/12 06:02 PM ET

The House on Tuesday afternoon agreed to accept just two Democratic amendments to a bill that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take more time and be more transparent as it considers and releases regulations

By voice vote, the House approved language from Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) to clarify that the bill would not impede the FCC's ability to provide effective and efficient communication systems to alert the public of dangerous weather conditions.

Also by voice, members accepted language from Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) to express that nothing in the act would impede the FCC from providing communications systems for state and local first responders.

A Republican amendment, from Rep. Greg Walden (Ore.), was also accepted by voice. Walden's language would make the FCC's handing of FOIA requests more transparent.

But all the rest were either rejected or withdrawn:

Joseph Crowley (D-NY), to require the FCC to create a rule requiring baby monitor labels to note that sound or images captured by the monitor can easily be viewed or heard by potential intruders outside a consumer's home. Rejected 196-219.

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), to require entities sponsoring political programming to disclose the identity of any donor that has contributed $10,000 or more, and hold that broadcast licensees are not responsible for inaccuracies in these disclosures. Rejected 179-238.

Bill Owens (D-NY), to hold that nothing in the bill impedes the FCC from implementing rules to ensure broadband access in rural areas. Rejected 194-222.

Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), to prevent the act from taking effect until the FCC provides a report on the impact of the act on competition and innovation. Rejected voice vote.

Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), to allow FCC commissioners to each hire an engineer or scientist to provide in-depth technical consultation. Withdrawn.

Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), to strike language that would reduce the ability of the FCC to impose or accept voluntary public interest conditions or commitments from merger applicants. Withdrawn.

Waters (D-Calif.), to prohibit FCC officials from accepting employment with a regulated entity within one year of the officials vote and/or action in a proceeding affecting the entity. Withdrawn.