Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR-04) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, have agreed to sponsor a congressional letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to express congressional concern in response to the current FCC effort to increase broadcast localism requirements.

During the NAB State Leadership Conference, broadcasters met with their congressional representatives to advocate on behalf of the Ross-Blackburn letter. NAB, state association executives and NAB network and radio allies have continued to push for a strong show of support from Congress. To date, the Ross-Blackburn letter has the support of 123 members of the House. In addition to the support of approximately 19 members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, House Democratic Caucus Vice Chair John Larson (D-CT-01) and House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO-07) have also signed on. To review the letter and a full listing of congressional names, please click here.

Additionally, approximately six members of Congress have agreed to write individual letters, including Reps. Michaud (D-ME-02), Goodlatte (R-VA-06), McHugh (R-NY-23), Cubin (R-WY-at large), Gonzalez (D-TX-20) and Green (D-TX-29). Cubin and Gonzalez also serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

In addition, several other members of Congress are currently crafting letters. There is a similar letter now circulating in the Senate.

Today is the deadline to file comments with the FCC on the localism issue. We must continue to make our collective voices heard and demonstrate to the FCC that broadcasters serve their local communities every day.