Pelosi, Waxman: : FCC Can Require More Extensive Political Ad Disclosures

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, House Commerce Committee ranking member Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Communications Subcommittee ranking member Anna Eshoo (D-CA) said a new Government Accountability Office clarifies Federal Communications Commission authority to require political ads on broadcasting and cable TV to identify their sponsors.

The Members of Congress went beyond that to say the FCC is obligated to use that authority. According to the legislators, the report clarifies that the FCC has the power "to prevent advertisers from misleading consumers and voters" by requiring ads to identify the "true" sponsors. "It's been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant -- and this report makes clear that the FCC has the power, the authority, and the responsibility to shine a bright light on the organizations and campaigns behind our political advertisements," Rep Pelosi said. "The FCC must simply update its rules to reflect the law, ensuring disclosure in our elections, transparency in our campaigns, and fairness for all voters."