Pence Calls for Vote to End Fairness Doctrine

Challenges House Democrats to Sign Discharge Petition for Broadcast Freedom by the 4th of July

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence gave the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, calling on Democrats to sign a discharge petition that would bring H.R. 2905, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, to the floor of the U.S. House.  The Broadcaster Freedom Act would ensure that no future president could bring back the Fairness Doctrine without an act of Congress.

“The American people cherish freedom. That’s why President Reagan repealed the so-called Fairness Doctrine back in 1987 that actually regulated the content of radio airwaves for more than four decades.

“And today, while some of the most powerful Democrats in Congress make plans to restore this Depression-era regulation, Republicans have taken action.

“We introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act, that would take the power to restore the Fairness Doctrine away from this or any future President and we filed a discharge petition to force an up-or-down vote.

“In the 245 days since, not one single House Democrat has signed the discharge petition for broadcast freedom.

“So Mr. Speaker, I offer my Democrat colleagues this respectful challenge:

“If you cherish freedom, if you cherish the freedom of the press, if you cherish the airwaves of America—left, right and center—let’s make this Fourth of July Radio Independence Day.

“Sign the discharge petition for Broadcast Freedom by Independence Day.”

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