House expected to pass Digital TV conversion extension to June

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed an extension of the conversion of U.S. television broadcasts. The conversion from analog to digital broadcasts was set for February 17, 2009. The extension proposal sets the new conversion date for June 12, 2009.

The House had passed an extension; but complicated circumstances mandate a two-thirds majority vote:

But the House – in a special vote that would have required a two-thirds majority – voted just 258-168 in favor of the bill, falling short. Still, the tally would be enough for a regular floor vote and – if passed, as it’s expected to – the bill would go to President Obama.

--from David Dunn's article at Asterisk's TMCnet.

Kim Dixon at Reuters reported (January 13) that President Obama has urged an extension of the conversion.