Broadcasters have a responsibility to serve the public interest and protect Americans from objectionable content, particularly during the hours when children are likely to be watching.

Committee assignments
United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce (1995–2011)
United States House Committee on Science and Technology (1985–1987; 1997–2011) (Ranking Member 2005–2007; Chairman 2007–2011)
United States House Committee on the Budget (1993–1995)
United States House Committee on Rules (1987–1995)
United States House Committee on Banking Finance and Urban Affairs (1985–1987)
United States House Permanent Select Committee on Aging (1985–1987)
Source: Rep. Active in Democratic politics early on he was briefly executive director of the Tennessee Democratic Party in 1979 and state party chairman from 1981 to 1983. He initially faced a hard-fought race against the brother of the publiBart Gordonr of Nashville's former conservative newspaper the Nashville Banner.

S. He is a member of the Democratic Party.