The Senate Commerce Committee passed a bill that would require the FCC to delay action on media ownership rules.

The measure, introduced by Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., and Trent Lott, R-Miss., now goes to the full Senate; whether it would pass both houses of Congress in time to make a difference remains unclear. FCC Chairman Martin plans a Dec. 18 vote on a revised cross-ownership rule.

The bill, S-2332, requires the commission to complete its localism proceeding and allow for a 90-day public comment period before proposing any ownership rule changes.

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, stated the bill encourages the FCC to provide a forum for meaningful discussion.