Reps. Steil, Pappageorge, Moolenaar, Casperson, Amos, Shaffer, Robertson, Kooiman, Palmer, Hoogendyk, Vander Veen, Shackleton, Milosch, Sheen, Stahl, Wenke, Hummel, Newell, Emmons, Middaugh, DeRoche, LaJoy, Caswell, Van Regenmorter, Stakoe, Hager, Pumford, Stewart, Bradstreet, Huizenga, Caul, Rocca, Meyer, Nofs, Daniels, Brandenburg, DeRossett, Pastor, Taub, Voorhees, Acciavatti, Gleason, Ruth Johnson, Koetje, Murphy, Sak, Sheltrown and Stallworth offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 200.

            A resolution to urge the Federal Communications Commission to develop and enforce stronger measures to restrict indecency in radio and television broadcasting.

            Whereas, Over the past few years, the number and nature of incidents of radio and television broadcasts that seem far beyond any acceptable standard of decency has increased significantly.  Recently, an incident during the 2003 Golden Globes awards program on television has served to focus attention on this problem.  The issue, however, involves much more than any isolated event or use of a single word; and

            Whereas, During recent hearings in the Congress of the United States and actions taken by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Washington policymakers cited a long list of very offensive situations broadcast over television or radio.  Some of the individual occurrences, many of which have resulted in fines, are remarkable in the level of crudity and offensiveness.  They are, however, very believable to anyone who has channel surfed with a young child nearby or anyone who knows of the "shock jock" mentality that seems pervasive on some radio stations; and

            Whereas, Whatever the reason, whether cable programming or other factors, the amount of sexual and violent content broadcast over the airwaves has caused many people to call for action.  It is also becoming clear to many observers that identifying what is indecent cannot be achieved solely through banning specific words or phrases.  Often, it seems that some radio personalities and television shows seem to do all they can to go as far as they can with material that is presented only for its shock value.  Intent and innuendo, in language and visual images, must be considered as well; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Federal Communications Commission to develop and enforce stronger measures to restrict indecency in radio and television broadcasting; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Federal Communications Commission.