House Committee Defeats Duplicative Anti-Discrimination Amendment To Telecom Bill

Broadcasting & Cable reported that yesterday the House Commerce Committee found itself in the uncomfortable position of voting 29-23 against an amendment to a bill on video franchising that would prevent discrimination in service based religion (as well as race, sex, or national origin). Committee Chairman Joe Barton said that everyone on the committee opposed discrimination; however it is already prohibited by current law. If the amendment to the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 had been adopted, the bill could have been referred to the Judiciary Committee, where its passage could be delayed.