Congressman Henry Cuellar today joined an overwhelming, bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of delaying the digital television (DTV) transition.

The new date for DTV to take effect is June 12, instead of the widely-promoted February 17. The measure also extends to July 31 the deadline for households to obtain $40 coupons to purchase a converter box, while at the same time allowing households holding expired coupons to apply for new ones.

“Millions of families in the United States – including many in the 28th Congressional District – either have not applied for their coupons or are not fully educated about the transition,” Congressman Cuellar said.  “In the 28th District, 6,210 households are on the waiting list for a converter coupon – more than in 94% of all congressional districts nationwide.”

Congressman Cuellar added, “This delay will allow us to tie up all the lose ends.  We need to make sure that the transition is a win-win situation for all -- including South Texas families and television broadcasters.”

The bill also allows television stations to terminate their analog broadcasting and make the DTV transition before June 12, but does not require them to do so until the new date. Another key provision of the bill allows public safety entities to use vacated DTV spectrum before the new transition date, subject to existing FCC rules. President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill, which has already passed the Senate.

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