FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 19, 2000                                     Richard Welch (202) 418-7450
                                
 FCC ADJUSTS MAXIMUM FORFEITURE PENALTIES TO REFLECT INFLATION

     Washington, D.C. -- The Federal Communications Commission amended Section 1.80(b)
of its Rules to increase the maximum monetary forfeiture penalties available to the Commission. 
This action adjusts the maximum forfeiture penalties to account for the growth in the Consumer
Price Index since 1995, as required by the Debt Collection Improvement Act, 28 U.S.C.  2461.

     The amendment of Section 1.80(b) will be effective 30 days after publication in the
Federal Register.

     The Commission's action does not affect the base amount of monetary forfeiture specified
in Section 1.80(b)(4) of the Commission's Rules.

     Action by the Commission, September 14, 2000, by Memorandum Opinion and Order,
FCC 00-347).  Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell, and Tristani.

     










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Enforcement Bureau Contacts:  Richard Welch at (202) 418-7450
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