Washington, D.C.– Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Digital TV Delay Act, which would implement a one-time delay of the scheduled February 17 elimination of analog television broadcasting until June 12, 2009.

The Act also extends to July 31, 2009, provided additional budget authority is enacted, the deadline for requesting digital-to-analog converter box coupons.

Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva supported the bill and released the following statement:

“Over 2 million households are currently on a waiting list to receive coupons to help offset the cost of purchasing digital television converter boxes, which allow an analog television set that relies on over-the-air reception to display digital signals.

“Without this delay, millions of Americans may see their televisions “go dark” on February 18, 2009, disproportionately impacting low-income, rural, and elderly Americans. The Nielsen Company estimates that there are 6.5 million households (6 percent) that will lose all TV reception if the February deadline remains in place.

“In my District alone, there are 6,320 households on the waiting list.

“The federal effort to help people buy converters to prepare for DTV has been insufficient, especially for our most vulnerable citizens. This delay will help mitigate the anticipated challenges for consumers posed by the transition.”

For more information, please go to Congressman Grijalva’s website at http://grijalva.house.gov/ or https://www.dtv2009.gov .