WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) will introduce a resolution today to mark the 39th anniversary of C-SPAN 2’s first Senate broadcast on June 2, 1986. The resolution urges all television providers, including streaming services, to carry the network.
For nearly four decades, C-SPAN 2 has served as a conduit between the public and the Senate, offering Americans an uninterrupted and unfiltered lens to view their elected representatives working on the electorate’s behalf. C-SPAN does not receive taxpayer dollars and is funded by America’s cable and satellite television operators as a public service.
“Transparency brings accountability, and C-SPAN’s coverage of the Senate has certainly brought transparency to the people’s business. Our resolution celebrates C-SPAN 2’s nearly 40-year commitment to give Americans a front row seat in the Senate, all without accepting a dime of taxpayer dollars. This public service strengthens our system of self-government by boosting civic engagement, and ought to be available on all television and streaming platforms,” Grassley said.
“C-SPAN has connected the Senate with the American people for nearly 40 years—providing the public an opportunity to see their government at work on the Senate floor and in committee meetings,” Klobuchar said. “Access to this live coverage on all platforms is essential to keeping the American people informed and engaged in their democracy.”
Background:
Over 39 years, C-SPAN2 has recorded more than 43,830 hours of Senate action, including more than 169,000 speeches from a broad range of ideologies. The network has documented more than 23,493 roll call votes, acting as a living ledger of Senate decision-making.
Find text of the resolution HERE.