Washington - U.S. House Democrats have proposed adding $650 million to the federal program doling out coupons consumers can use to purchase digital TV adapters in advance of the Feb. 17 switch to digital-only broadcasting, Reuters reported.

Congress had originally earmarked $1.34 billion for the coupons, but that funding has run out.

President-elect Barack Obama's transition team has urged lawmakers to delay the digital switchover, citing "coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient, and the most vulnerable Americans exposed."

The Bush administration, which opposes a delay of the date set by Congress, has sought $250 million in additional funding for the coupon program.

Related Links:
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090115/tc_nm/us_digital_1

http://snipurl.com/a4yad (DMW previous coverage)