Issue Position: Science/IT/Telecommunications

Issue Position

Technology and Innovation are important factors in keeping America prepared for the challenges we face in the future. In order to remain competitive in a global marketplace, we must support efforts that strengthen our investments in technology in order to stay prepared for whatever challenges we may have before us.

Carolyn has introduced the following bills:

ALERT Drivers Act, H.R. 3535

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to withhold 25% of a state's apportionment of federal-aid highway program funds for the fiscal year if the state has not enacted minimum standards preventing operators of moving vehicles from writing, sending, or reading text messages using a hand-held mobile phone.

H.Res. 1512

Commending Google Inc. and other companies for advocating for an uncensored Internet, adhering to free speech principles, and keeping the Internet open for users worldwide.

Carolyn has cosponsored the following bills:

Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2009, H.R. 1521

Would place a five year moratorium on new "discriminatory" by local or state governments on cell services, providers, or property. CMC signed on because NY has the fourth highest mobile tax rate in the country. Because the bill does not preempt existing cell taxes it would ensure that New Yorkers are not taxed anymore than they already are.

Reasonable Prudence in Regulation Act, H.R. 2266

Would delay for one year required compliance with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) which seeks to limit US participation in online gambling.

Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection and Enforcement Act, H.R. 2267

Allows US-based companies to obtain licenses and operate federally regulated online gambling sites. It would also allow bets from US customers.

Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act, H.Con.Res. 49

Declares that Congress should not impose a new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to public performance of sound recordings.

Local Community Radio Act of 2009, H.R. 1147

Opens up the radio spectrum available to Low Power FM (LPFM) stations opening up more opportunity for community-based, nonprofit radio broadcast on a local level. Passed in the House.

Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act of 2009, H.R. 1895

Authorizes Sec. of Transportation to award incentive grants to those states with graduated drive licensing laws for novice drivers under age 21. Directs the Secretary to withhold a percentage of federal-aid funding from states that do not comply with the act.

Bill to Amend Title 23, US Code, to establish national standards to prevent distr. Driving, H.R. 4153

Based on MN Distracted Driving Law similar to our bill, but withholds less percentage from states if they do not comply with minimum distracted driving standards.

Healthy Media for Youth Act, H.R. 4925

Directs Sec. of HHS to award grants to increase literacy and empowerment in girls and boys.

Calling for 211 Act, H.R. 211

Directs Secretary of HHS to award a grant to each state for 2-1-1 service for information and referral on human services.

Broadband for First Responders Act of 2010, H.R. 5081

Allocates the D-Block Spectrum for public safety use.

New Frontier Gold Medal Act, H.R. 2245

Authorizes President to present gold medals, on behalf of Congress to the Apollo 11 astronauts. This bill is currently law.

CALM Act, H.R. 1084

Directs the FCC to prohibit ads accompanying video programming from being excessively noisy or strident, having modulation levels substantially higher than the accompanying program, and have an avg. maximum loudness substantially higher than the accompanying program. Passed by House of Representatives 12/15/10.

Carolyn has supported the following legislation that has been voted on in the House:

Solar Technology Roadmap Act of 2010, H.R. 3585

Bill sets up a roadmap that will guide the future of solar technology research in our nation. Passed by House of Representatives 10/22/09

America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, H.R. 5116

The bill is designed to bolster America's competitive edge by improving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, so that all students are prepared for the highly technical, high-paying jobs of the future; setting our basic research programs on a doubling path: the labs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST); National Science Foundation (NSF); and the Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Science; and addressing the need for transformational energy technologies with the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E), which is pursuing high-risk, high-reward energy technology development. Passed House of Representatitves 5/21/10.

CMC Amendment: A section of the America COMPETES Act is devoted to emergency communications. Rep. McCarthy offered, and had adopted an amendment to the legislation that would ensure that any assessments and studies on improving emergency communications build upon conclusions made in existing reports on the matter.

Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2010, H.R. 4061

Authorizes $396 million in funding over four years for cybersecurity research and $94 million for scholoraships for those pursuing cybersecurity studies. Passed House of Representatives 2/4/10.

CMC Amendment: A section of the bill outlines an education program to help spread computer literacy. Rep. McCarthy offered, and had adopted an amendment to the legislation that would ensure that cybersecurity awareness and education efforts focus on novice computer users, elderly populations, low-income populations, and populations in areas of planned broadband expansion or deployment.

DTV Delay Act, S. 352

Amends the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 to delay the transition of television broadcasting from analog to digital to June 13, 2009. This bill is currently law.

PHONE Act of 2009, H.R. 1110

Amends the federal criminal code to impose fine or prison term for anyone who knowingly uses or provides to another false caller ID information. Passed by House of Representatives 12/16/10.

Satellite Home Viewer Update and Reauthorization Act of 2009, H.R. 3570

Bill ensures that small markets receive access to local programming. Passed by House of Representatives 12/3/10.

Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009, H.R. 3101

The bill updates the Communications Act to ensure that those with vision, hearing, and other disabilities are able to fully utilize broadband services. Passed by House of Representatitves 7/26/10.

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