In Senate Committee·Last action 338 days ago

Broadcast bill uses tax incentives to expand diverse station ownership

Officially: Broadcast VOICES Act

This bill uses FCC rules and federal tax breaks to encourage more broadcast station ownership by socially disadvantaged individuals. It also requires repeated FCC reports and studies on station ownership and viewpoint diversity. Some benefits can be clawed back later if ownership or management rules stop being met.

Where it stands

Sitting in Finance

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Defines "socially disadvantaged individuals" to include women and people who have faced racial, ethnic, or cultural bias as members of a group.
Requires the FCC to send Congress two separate reports at least every two years: one with recommendations for increasing the number and value of qualifying stations, and one listing how many such stations exist.
Tells the FCC to write rules for a new tax certificate program covering certain broadcast station sales that create or involve ownership by socially disadvantaged individuals.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Increases Ownership Diversity: Supporters argue that the bill will help address the underrepresentation of women and minorities in media ownership.
Promotes Diverse Viewpoints: By increasing ownership diversity, the bill could lead to a broader range of perspectives in media content.
Provides Financial Incentives: The tax certificate program offers a financial incentive for sellers to transfer ownership to socially disadvantaged individuals.

✕Arguments against

Risk of Favoritism: Critics argue that the broad definition of "socially disadvantaged" could lead to reverse discrimination.
Market Distortion: The tax incentives might distort the market by favoring certain transactions over others.
Temporary Impact: The 16-year sunset clause raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of the bill.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (6/18/2025)

JUN 18

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Broadcast bill uses tax incentives to expand diverse station ownership

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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