Presidential Debates Should Focus on Cost and Complexity

Washington, DC – The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) today released the following statement commending the passage of legislation reauthorizing the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act:

“Today’s passage is a win for taxpayers and consumers alike.  By including language for digital white area, Congress is speeding up the transition to digital television and freeing up broadcast spectrum.  This spectrum could be auctioned to wireless companies for tens of billions of dollars, or allocated to m,   leaders for passing a SHVIA reauthorization bill that includes the digital white area language.  The reauthorization of SHVIA presented the ideal opportunity for Congress to make real progress on digital television and they took action.

 “This provision will provide relief to millions of television viewers – particularly those in rural America - who cannot receive their local ABC, NBC, CBS, or FOX affiliate in digital. It will also help speed the digital transition, which will free up spectrum, worth tens of billions of dollars, and return it to the U.S. government for auction to wireless companies and allocation to our nation's first responders. The digital white area language offers consumers real alternatives for digital network programming, regardless of where they live; strengthens our economy; and helps our emergency services get the tools they need.

“We are optimistic that this final language will be signed into law quickly so that consumers will begin to reap the benefits and taxpayers will see the return of the valuable spectrum.

“Upon passage, the DTC will continue working with Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Copyright Office to ensure that the spirit of this provision is carried out so that all American consumers can share in the great benefits of digital television.  The coalition will continue working on new initiatives that could further speed the digital transition.  This important development is only a first step.” 

“We would like to commend Senators Ensign, McCain and Stevens in particular for their commitment to helping consumers and their courageous leadership on this issue.”

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.