C-SPAN has assumed its own war footing during the coronavirus pandemic, and as Congress stands ready to vote on a $2 trillion aid package for Americans affected by the national emergency.
“In a first for the 41-year old cable network, C-SPAN has responded to a special request earlier today from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer to help connect members of Congress with the public during the unprecedented public health crisis created by Covid-19,” the public affairs network said in a statement released late Thursday.
“With many members unable to travel to Washington for Friday’s vote, C-SPAN is working with Congressional leadership of both parties to dedicate airtime to House members’ brief video statements explaining their positions on the emergency Coronavirus relief legislation,” C-SPAN advised.
It is a tall order with 435 House members to consider. The network is already coordinating technical details with the leadership offices, and is currently organizing its own internal operations for what appears to be a massive coordination project.
The lawmaker’s statements will air in blocks during prime time the week of March 30th and will air on both C-SPAN television and radio.
“The videos will be streamed at C-SPAN.org and archived in C-SPAN’s online video library, creating a permanent historical record of legislators’ positions on the Cares Act Coronavirus relief legislation at a time when the House has been hampered from gathering in person,” the network said.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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