Congressional debate over indecency legislation likely won’t incl...

Congressional debate over indecency legislation likely won’t include the Senate sponsor of fine increases, Sen. Brownback (R-Kan.), who wasn’t included on the list of conferees for the Defense Dept. authorization bill (S- 2400). The Senate voted to include in S-2400 Brownback’s bill (S-2056) to raise FCC fines on indecent broadcasts by a factor of 10 to $275,000. However, Senate Commerce Committee Chmn. McCain (R-Ariz.) and Sen. Nelson (D-Fla.) will be the only Commerce Committee members appointed to the conference. It’s unclear who will be appointed on the House side. The Senate amendment to S-2400 includes several controversial provisions, including one on media ownership from Sen. Dorgan (D-N.D.) and on media violence from Sen. Hollings (D-S.C.). Both are expected to be removed.