PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Nov 7, 1997
Federal Communications Commission Satellite Carrier Oversight Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to: (1) include direct-to-home satellite services under provisions protecting signal broadcast; (2) direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to initiate a notice of inquiry to determine the best way to facilitate the retransmission of distant broadcast signals in order to promote market competition for delivery of multichannel video programming in the public interest; and (3) direct the FCC to report to the Congress on the effect of the increase in royalty fees paid by satellite carriers for such retransmission on such competition and the ability of the direct-to-home satellite industry to compete. Prohibits the Copyright Office from implementing, before January 1, 1999, the decision of the Librarian of Congress which established a specified royalty fee per subscriber per month for the retransmission of distant broadcast signals by satellite carriers.
People & committees
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee on Commerce. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-884.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S12011)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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