Public Knowledge Targets 12 Senate Offices on Set-Top Rider

Public Knowledge is targeting a dozen senators in the debate over the set-top box appropriations rider, including the Senate leaders of both parties, the leadership of the Appropriations and Commerce committees and Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., who wrote the FY 2017 measure containing the rider. Also targeted is Communications Subcommittee ranking member Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, the appropriator who personally opposed the rider and succeeded at dialing down the requirements of the study it would mandate of the FCC (see 1606160055). “This is simply a delay tactic from incumbents who want to maintain their stranglehold on the market,” Public Knowledge said of the rider. “Contact the key Senators listed below and tell them to put a stop to this rider and eliminate the language in the Appropriations bill that will delay #UnlockTheBox. We will update the list as developments arise.” Public Knowledge also includes Sens. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., as well as Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., members of Democratic leadership.