Number: RL33630
Title: A Comparison of the Cable Franchising Provisions in House-Passed H.R. 5252 and in H.R. 5252 as Amended by the Senate Commerce Committee, 109th Congress
Authors: Charles B. Goldfarb, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: On June 8, 2006, H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement (COPE) Act of 2006, was passed by the House. Subsequently, that legislation was amended in the nature of a substitute by the Senate Commerce Committee; that amended version was released on August 4, 2006. Both versions of H.R. 5252 include provisions that seek to foster competitive entry into the cable television market by streamlining the process by which new entrants obtain a franchise to offer service. Both would amend the Communications Act in important ways. Both would expand the authority of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) to set and enforce streamlined requirements, though the Senate version would allow local franchise authorities to retain greater authority.
Pages: 27
Date: August 29, 2006