WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 583, the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement (PIRATE) Act, introduced by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), by voice vote.
“Protecting our public airwaves from illegal pirate radio disruptions is crucial to safeguarding important public safety communications, including our nation’s Emergency Alert System and critical aviation frequencies," Walden and Latta said. “This bill gives the FCC the tools it needs to take down these illegal broadcasts and increases the penalties for these bad actors. We urge our Senate colleagues to swiftly pass this important bill to strengthen our public safety communications."
Background:
H.R. 583 increases fines for illegal pirate operations from $10,000 per violation to $100,000 per day per violation, up to a maximum of $2,000,000, and streamlines the FCC’s enforcement. By preventing illegal pirate radio operations, airwaves are kept free for legitimate broadcasters and public safety announcements.
During the 115th Congress, the House passed identical legislation by voice vote.
