Congress Must Keep Momentum on Franchising Bill

National Journal reported Friday that bipartisan talks broke down on a streamlined bill to create a national video franchise. Leaders in the House Energy & Commerce committee a few weeks back agree in principle about provisions to be included in the streamlined bill. A hearing in committee is expected this week on the bill and we hope that 1) the bill keeps moving so consumers can begin enjoying cost savings like cable customers in Keller, TX are seeing now; 2) bipartisan agreement can be reached again so that a good bill comes out of committee; and 3) side issues don’t disrupt the progress of the bill. For consumers sake, Congress must act to modernize the cable franchise system to inject much needed competition across the country for video service. Cable companies will use just about any tactic to slow the progress of this legislation down and that will result in people who work hard for their paycheck, will be stuck paying the (more expensive) bill.