Hawkeye Reporter

The Senate has unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) that supports public access to C-SPAN streaming across all television providers, including streaming services. The move coincides with the 39th anniversary of C-SPAN 2’s first broadcast from the Senate.

C-SPAN 2 has provided continuous coverage of Senate proceedings for nearly four decades. The network is funded by cable and satellite television operators and does not receive taxpayer funding.

Senator Grassley emphasized the importance of transparency in government, stating, “Transparency brings accountability, and C-SPAN’s coverage has brought transparency to the people’s business. This public service strengthens our system of self-government by boosting civic engagement, and ought to be available on all television and streaming platforms. The Senate unanimously stands behind C-SPAN in its fight to be platformed by streaming giants.”

Senator Klobuchar highlighted the network's role in connecting citizens with their government: “C-SPAN has connected the Senate with the American people for nearly 40 years—providing the public an opportunity to see their government at work on the Senate floor and in committee meetings. Access to this live coverage on all platforms is essential to keeping the American people informed and engaged in their democracy.”

Since its inception, C-SPAN 2 has recorded over 43,830 hours of Senate activity, documented more than 169,000 speeches from various political perspectives, and captured more than 23,493 roll call votes.