Saturday Morning Vote Approves Satellite Extension Bill (updated)

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has scheduled a vote for 7:30 a.m. on Saturday on the defense appropriations bill (HR 3326) which includes an amendment that acts as a stop-gap measure so satellite and cable operators can continue for 60 days to deliver distant network-affiliated TV station signals into markets across the country. That's because legislators could not agree on reauthorizing the full Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act (SHVERA) in time to make the Dec. 31 sunset date. The main sticking point appears to be a deal that would allow DISH Network back into the distant-signal business in exchange for delivering local TV stations signals into every market in the country (the smallest markets are uneconomical to serve).

On Saturday, the Senate passed the measure 88-10. The spending measure now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.