The so-called “buildout” amendment would require cable operators to build out not just to a small number of communities that a provider may self-select, but rather to all households in the franchise.  The amendment is co-sponsored by Ranking Member Dingell, Congressman Markey, and Congresswoman Watson.

“Without a buildout requirement, cable operators will be free to cherry pick their service areas, leaving low-income and other disadvantaged communities at risk of inferior services, higher cable rates, or even the loss of cable service,” said Congresswoman Solis.

The so-called “anti-redlining” amendment would:   1) prohibit discrimination not just on the basis of income, as in H.R. 5252, but also on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex; 2) prohibit cable providers from offering inferior services to any group of consumers; and 3) provide local franchising authorities, rather than the FCC, the responsibility for determining whether discrimination has occurred.  The amendment is co-sponsored by Congressmen Waxman and Wu and Congresswomen Baldwin and Watson.

“This amendment strengthens the minimal anti-redlining provision in the bill and helps ensure universal deployment of broadband and video services,” said Solis.

Both amendments are supported by the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of Counties, Consumers Union, and numerous civil rights organizations. 

The Rules Committee will decide later this evening whether to allow consideration of the amendments by the full House of Representatives.  The House is scheduled to consider H.R. 5252 this Friday, June 9th.