Nearly all House GOPers back Pence’s discharge petition on Fairness Doctrine

NEARLY ALL HOUSE GOPers BACK PENCE'S DISCHARGE PETITION ON FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Jackie Kucinich]
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN.) has persuaded nearly every House Republican to sign a discharge petition that would force a floor vote on legislation banning the so-called Fairness Doctrine. One hundred ninety-four out of 200 House Republicans are backing the effort to block the anticipated revival of the Fairness Doctrine, which they believe is a tool Democrats will use to cut down on the number of conservative radio talk shows. The Fairness Doctrine was discarded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) during the Reagan administration in 1985. Not one Democrat has signed the petition, which requires 218 signatures to trigger a vote. The six Republicans who have opted not to sign Pence’s petition are Reps. Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Robin Hayes (NC), Timothy Johnson (IL), Mike Rogers (Ala.), John McHugh (NY) and Ralph Regula (OH). Even though Pence’s appropriations amendment aimed at restricting federal funding for the Fairness Doctrine passed 309-115 in June, it is unclear if that provision will be included in the final bill. Regardless, conservatives are seeking a permanent policy on the Fairness Doctrine.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/nearly-all-house-gopers-back-pences-discharge-petition-on-fairness-doctrine-2007-11-14.html