Representatives Green and Dingell Question FCC about Disclosure Rules; Want to Ensure Uniform and Equitable Requirements

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressmen Gene Green (D-TX 29) and John D. Dingell (D-MI 15) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski asking about the Commission's work on improved disclosure requirements for political candidates' advertising purchases. Green and Dingell's letter seeks answers from the FCC about a proposed disclosure rule that would apply only to television broadcasters.

"Without question, increasing transparency in our democratic process is important," stated Green. "The FCC can play an important role in this process, but I believe Congress must provide rigorous oversight to ensure that the FCC is proceeding in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the public."

"I commend the FCC for its work to increase transparency in campaign finance," said Dingell. "In the wake of the Citizens United case, we have super PACs popping up left and right. The public needs to know who is behind the political advertisements they see on TV. I hope Chairman Genachowski will provide a detailed explanation of the FCC's deliberations on this matter and how limiting the proposed rule to television broadcasters will serve the public interest."

Green and Dingell's letter asks Chairman Genachowski to submit responses to their questions no later than March 30, 2012.

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