Require all House proceedings that are broadcast on TV or streamed on the internet to provide closed caption services and provide a free captioning service for all web videos created by MCL offices.

While the ADA is most known for its provisions regarding equal physical access to public spaces, it also governs closed captioning. Video shown or streamed in a place of public accommodation is required to be closed captioned. House proceedings, including committee hearings and mark-ups, are not automatically available in closed caption. Persons who are hard of hearing or otherwise rely upon closed captioning to follow information presented verbally are currently required notify someone at least four days prior to a hearing or mark-up for closed caption service to be provided. This requirement places the burden of accessibility on the individuals who need service, and is not consistent with the Committee’s mission to make Congress work better for all Americans.

Furthermore, hearings and mark-ups are not always publicly noticed four days in advance, and committees are sometimes confronted with last-minute scheduling changes. Automatically providing closed caption or another form of transcription service ensures that individuals with a hearing impairment can access hearings and mark-ups in real time.

With this in mind, the Committee recommends that all House proceedings that are broadcast on TV or streamed on the internet be required to provide closed caption services. The Committee also recommends the CAO purchase and provide a free captioning service for all web videos created by member, committee, and leadership offices.

As discussed above, Congress relies on “internal enforcement mechanisms” to put ADA requirements into effect and while progress has been made with regards to captioning of floor proceedings and some committee hearings and mark-ups, more work is needed.[154] Individuals who rely on closed captioning services should expect real-time service that is consistent across Congress.