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 President Trump signed the Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement (PIRATE) Act, introduced by Energy and Commerce Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), into law.
“This law will help protect our public airwaves from illegal pirate radio disruptions, which is crucial to safeguarding important public safety communications like our nation’s Emergency Alert System and critical aviation frequencies. This legislation from the Energy and Commerce Committee arms the FCC with needed tools to take down illegal broadcasts and strengthens the penalties for the bad actors engaged in this criminal activity. We commend the bipartisan work of our colleagues on this important bill, especially Paul Tonko and Gus Bilirakis, and applaud President Trump for signing it into law," the leaders said.
Background:
The PIRATE Act 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.
