Media Contact: Brooke Ericson, (202) 418-2300 Brooke.Ericson@fcc.gov For Immediate Release STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY ON SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP OF PIRATE ACT WASHINGTON, June 13, 2018. — “I applaud Representatives Blackburn and Doyle for the successful mark-up of the ‘Preventing Illegal Radio Abuse Through Enforcement Act.’  Representatives Lance, Tonko, Collins, their 11 cosponsors, and the entire Subcommittee have sent a clear message that pirate radio ‘stations’ must be eliminated.  This bill rightfully increases the penalties, requires regular enforcement sweeps, and augments the tools available to the Commission to stop illegal pirate broadcasters.  At the same time, the bill notably excludes legitimate Part 15 operations, otherwise known as radio hobbyists.  Today’s mark-up is an important step forward in ensuring the PIRATE Act becomes law and I look forward to seeing the bill take the next step in the legislative process.”  ### Office of Commissioner Mike O’Rielly: (202) 418-2300 Twitter: @mikeofcc www.fcc.gov/leadership/michael-orielly 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. Cir. 1974).