WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans controlling the House are dropping an effort to block the Federal Communications Commission from implementing new rules requiring TV stations to disclose online information about political ad buys by candidates, political parties and outside groups.
The FCC adopted the rule in April over protests from the nation's broadcasters, who especially objected to having advertising rates disclosed online. The information is already publicly available, but only if one visits a TV station in person to examine it.
The effort to block the FCC rule came during consideration of a bill providing financing for the agency. Missouri GOP Rep. Jo Ann Emerson said Republicans were dropping the effort to block the rules in deference to protests from Democrats. Democratic support is essential if the measure is to pass the full House.
