Thank you for your leadership in introducing and fighting for the Viewer Protection Act. Is there more that broadcasters can do to convey the urgency of the problems your bill is trying to address?
Last year, the FCC completed a first-of-its-kind "incentive auction," which repurposed some airwaves for mobile broadband. Next-generation wireless networks are certainly important, but we cannot let people lose their broadcast signal because of the FCC's auction.
Broadcasters bring crucial information to the communities they serve. In some ways, the role of broadcasters is more important than ever - they have helped save lives during the extraordinary number of natural disasters that have been hitting our country lately. And in this era of accusations about "fake news," people expect their local broadcasters to bring true, unbiased news.
That's why I introduced The Viewer Protection Act. My bill would make sure that no one, no matter where they live, loses their signal as a result of the FCC's auction. Fortunately, my bill has garnered broad support from both parties in both chambers of Congress. But, as long as my bill sits waiting for action, the likelihood of people losing their signals grows. So I ask broadcasters to work with me and continue to let their members of Congress and congressional leadership know that we need to get this bill passed now. We cannot pretend that this problem will fix itself.
As the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, you are involved in many key policy debates, including those related to energy, healthcare and telecommunications. Other than issues related to broadcasting, which issues are you most passionate about that fall under your committee's jurisdiction?
The Energy and Commerce Committee has one of the most expansive jurisdictions in Congress, with oversight of the environment and energy, healthcare, consumer protection and communications. I was first elected to Congress to fight to protect our environment and the Jersey Shore, which was being polluted by garbage and medical waste. Environmental protection has always been a passion, as has finding ways to expand access to affordable health care. I was one of the lead authors of the Affordable Care Act and am proud of the improvements we've seen in our health system since it became law.
Since becoming the ranking member of the full committee, I'm taking a leading role on issues across our jurisdiction. As you mentioned, I have taken a special interest in broadcasting. I have also worked hard to make sure our networks are more resilient and that consumers maintain their privacy and security online. We are also fighting hard to ensure consumers continue to benefit from net neutrality protections.
When it comes down to it, regardless of the specific issue area, I will always fight for everyday people: small businesses, consumers and anyone who needs a voice in Congress. I will always support policies that increase our security, provide more opportunity and strengthen our democracy.
Hurricane Sandy had a devastating impact on New Jersey. Can you tell us what you learned about the broadcast industry in the aftermath of Sandy?
Broadcasters were our first line of defense. They made sure that people could find their way out of harm's way, even before the storm struck. I was especially moved by the broadcasters, television and radio alike, who put aside their own interests and sometimes ignored their own personal safety to help their community. Stations changed formats on a dime to make sure their friends and neighbors had all the information they needed to stay safe, to find their friends and to protect their families.
Honestly, in a lot of ways, my commitment to broadcasters comes from watching the way they served their communities when we needed them most. I learned that we cannot afford to let them go dark. We must make sure broadcasters have the resources they need to stay on air when the worst happens.
Can you tell us a little about why you chose to cosponsor the Local Radio Freedom Act? What value do you see in the services broadcasters provide?
The Local Radio Freedom Act lets us show our appreciation for our local radio broadcasters. These stations do so much to promote our local artists. My district in Central New Jersey is known for its local music scene. The careers of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi were launched by playing at local establishments and getting air time on local stations. And those traditions continue: we are still attracting music fans from all over who want to experience our amazing local artists. Congress needs to do what it can to ensure radio stations can keep promoting local music over the air and helping local artists.
What work are you most proud of during your time in Congress?
I'm proud of all of the success we've had in cleaning up and revitalizing many parts of my congressional district and the state of New Jersey over the last 30 years. I've focused a lot of my time working to clean up the Jersey Shore. When I first came to Congress, garbage and medical waste was washing up on the beaches on a daily basis, and we successfully fought ocean dumping and restored our beaches. I also worked with the late Republican Congressman Paul Gillmor to create the Brownfields program, which has been an incredibly important tool for protecting public health and spurring economic growth in New Jersey and throughout the country. Cleaning up and revitalizing blighted properties is making a real difference in our communities. I'm hoping that we can strengthen this program even further by reauthorizing it during this Congress. Finally, I would say that I'm proud of all of the work we have done over the years in expanding access to affordable health care. There is certainly more work to be done in this area, but we have made some significant progress and I'm proud of that.
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