TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS  THE XXXX RECORD TELECOMMUNICATIONS XXXX Voted Against Clarifying the Definition of Internet Access. In April 2004, XXXX voted to kill an amendment that would specify that the definition of Internet access service would not include a tax levied on or measured by net income, capital stock, net worth or property value. It also would not apply to any payment made for the use of a public right-of-way or in lieu of a fee for the use of a public right-of-way, including an access line fee, franchise fee, license fee or gross receipt fee. The underlying substitute amendment would extend the Internet tax moratorium for four years. [S 150, Vote 72, 4/27/04] MEDIA XXXX Voted to Ban Spending to Reinstate the “Fairness Doctrine.” In March 2009, Robets voted for an amendment to the omnibus spending bill from John Thune of South Dakota to bar the Federal Communications Commission from spending funds to reinstate the defunct “Fairness Doctrine,” which required broadcasters to air discussions of controversial views and present opposing viewpoints. The amendment was rejected 47-50. [CQ Today, 3/10/09; Vote 92, 3/10/09] XXXX Voted to Prevent the FCC From Reinstating the “Fairness Doctrine.” In February 2009, XXXX voted for a Jim DeMint, R-S.C. offered-amendment to the D.C. Voting Rights bill that would prevent the Federal Communications Commission from reinstating the so-called “fairness doctrine,” a defunct rule that required broadcasters to present opposing points of view on controversial issues. Obama has said he opposes reviving that policy. It was adopted, 87-11. [CQ Today, 2/26/09; Vote 71, 2/26/09]  But Voted Against Encouraging Diversity in Communication Media Ownership. In February 2009, XXXX voted against a companion amendment offered by Dick Durbin, D-IL, that would promote diversity in communication media ownership as well as ensure that broadcast station licenses were used in the public interest. The amendment does not deal with the doctrine. It was adopted, 57-41. [CQ Today, 2/26/09; Vote 70, 2/26/09] XXXX Voted to Block Consideration of a Bill to Protect Journalists from Revealing Sources in Court. In July 2008, XXXX voted to block consideration of a bill that would protect journalists from having to identify their sources in court. Some Republicans also complained that the media “shield” bill did not properly define who qualifies as a journalist and thus would enjoy its protections. Republicans filibustered, saying the Senate should instead consider legislation to increase domestic oil and gas production. The motion to invoke cloture failed 51-43. [CQ Today, 7/30/08; Vote 191, 7/30/08] XXXX Voted Against Rolling Back Media Ownership Rules That Critics Said Could Stifle Diversity and Local Viewpoints. In 2003, XXXX voted against a resolution to repeal media ownership rules that critics charged could lead to a wave of mergers and ultimately stifle diversity and local viewpoints in news and entertainment. Defying a White House veto threat, the Senate voted 55-40 to undo changes to Federal Communications Commission regulations governing ownership of newspapers and television and radio stations. “We have to ensure that the marketplace of ideas is not dominated by a few conglomerates at the expense of our citizens and our democracy,” Sen. Murray said before the vote. On the other side, FCC Chairman Michael Powell said the 284