(Washington, DC) - The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to consider legislation today that would delay the Digital Television (DTV) Transition.  The bill, S. 328, would postpone the transition set for February 17 for four months until June 12, 2009.  Congressman Baron Hill is an original cosponsor of the House version of this bill, H.R. 681, and intends to support S. 328 when it comes up for a vote later today. 

“The converter box coupon program is out of money, folks are being issued already-expired coupons, and in general, many rural households and those headed by seniors are underprepared for the transition,” Hill said. “Delaying the DTV Transition is the only option at this point.”

S. 328, which passed the Senate under unanimous consent last night, parallels the House legislation that contains critical provisions championed by Hill.  For example, the legislation extends the expiration date for converter box coupons until September 15, 2009.  It would allow vouchers to be sent to applicants electronically or via first-class mail.  After hearing about Southern Indiana residents who were receiving already-expired coupons in the mail, Hill raised these concerns with the leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee. 

 “I’m very pleased that this bill takes a comprehensive approach to addressing the problems with the DTV Transition,” Hill said.  “Consumers should not be penalized for things entirely out of their control.”

S. 328 is scheduled for House consideration Tuesday evening.