NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
October 8, 2010     Jen Howard, (202) 418-0506
Email jen.howard@fcc.gov
FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI STATEMENT ON THE SIGNING OF THE 21ST
CENTURY COMMUNICATIONS AND VIDEO ACCESSIBILITY ACT
Washington, D.C. -- Today, President Obama signed The 21st Century Communications and Video 
Accessibility Act (S.3304) into law. The following statement can be attributed to Federal 
Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski:
“The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act is the most significant disability law in 
two decades.  The law’s provisions were endorsed in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan.  They will 
bring communication laws into the 21st Century, providing people with disabilities access to new 
broadband technologies and promoting new opportunities for innovation.  
“Most importantly, the new law will ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind and can share 
fully in the economic and social benefits of broadband. The law will enable people with disabilities to 
participate in our 21st century economy.  
“It is thanks to the bipartisan efforts of the legislation’s sponsors Representative Markey and Senator 
Pryor and the bipartisan commitment of Chairmen Representative Waxman and Senator Rockefeller and 
ranking members Representative Barton and Senator Hutchison that this update to our nation’s disability 
laws has become a reality. Subcommittee Chairmen Representative Boucher and Senator Kerry and 
ranking members Representative Stearns and Senator Ensign are also to be commended for their tireless 
work.
“The FCC, with the tremendous leadership of longtime advocate Karen Peltz Strauss, looks forward to 
working with consumer, industry, and government stakeholders as we assume the responsibility of 
ensuring the effective implementation of this landmark legislation.”
-- FCC --