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S.J.Res.17 / 108th Congress

A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadcast media ownership.

Held at the desk.

Official summary

Version 82 · Passed Senate without amendment · Sep 16, 2003

RETURNED FOR REVISIONS

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Disapproves the broadcast media ownership rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and received by Congress on July 10, 2003. (That rule replaces the prohibition on common ownership of daily newspapers and broadcast outlets in the same market and the restrictions on common ownership of radio and television outlets in the same market with Cross Media Limits; revises the market definition and the way stations are counted for purposes of the local radio rule; revises the local television multiple ownership rule; modifies the national television ownership cap from a 35% national audience reach limit to a 45% reach limit, and retains the dual network rule.)

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Dorgan, Byron L. [D-ND] · D–ND

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
24 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Held at the desk.

  2. Received in the House.

  3. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  4. Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 55 - 40. Record Vote Number: 348. (text: CR S11519)

    Senate roll call 348 · Individual votes
  5. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 55 - 40. Record Vote Number: 348.(text: CR S11519)

    Senate roll call 348 · Individual votes
  6. Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S11501-11519)

  7. Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S11383-11402)

  8. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 269.

  9. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

  10. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged. Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).

  11. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

  12. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.J.Res.17 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine S.J.Res.17 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine S.J.Res.17 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.J.Res.17 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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