US Congress frets over anti-Americanism on TV in Mideast
In decisive 395-3 vote, House of Representatives adopts bill asking US president to report to Congress on incitement to anti-American violence on television networks in Middle East
Lawmakers adopted the measure in a decisive 395-3 vote.
The bill asks the US president to report, six months after the text has passed, "on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East, and for other purposes."
"For years, media outlets in the Middle East have repeatedly published or broadcast incitements to violence against the United States and Americans," the bill read.
"Given the dangers such incitement poses to American soldiers and civilians in the ... region and at home, it is long past time for the US and other responsible nations to stop this growing threat," said Republican Gus Bilirakis, author of the bill.
It calls for punitive measures for networks deemed to be fueling terror.
Among the networks mentioned are al-Aqsa, Hamas' television station, which broadcasts from Gaza, and Hezbollah's al-Manar.
The US Senate has yet to weigh in on the issue.
