Congressman Peter DeFazio has introduced a bill intended to help Americans who can no longer get broadcast television because of the government-ordered switch to digital transmission.

The bill, HR 2867, would set up a coupon program providing up to $80 toward the cost of buying and installing indoor or outdoor antennas.

It would also require video programming providers such as cable and satellite systems to offer a basic programming package for $10 a month to anyone who lost one or more channels in the digital transition.

The most basic packages typically cost more than twice that.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

DeFazio, D-4th District, introduced the bill in the House on Monday. A similar measure was introduced in the Senate in January by Sen. Bernard Sanders, an independent from Vermont.

There was no way of telling if or when the bills would advance.

Defazio had announced his intention to push for such legislation some weeks ago.

The digital transition took place last Friday. It did not affect cable or satellite TV customers.

Democrat-Herald