From the department of you-have-got-to-be-friggin'-kidding-me:

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Stevens said on Wednesday he plans to propose a $3 billion subsidy program to ensure older television sets still work when the transition to better quality, digital broadcasts is completed.

Stevens, an Alaska Republican, said the estimated cost of a box to convert the new digital signals back to analog so existing television sets continue to work is $50 each and he proposed the government subsidize $40 of that amount.

Senator Stevens, you are just not getting it.

Go directly to Budget Jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $3 billion.

P.S.: What the hell is it about Alaska?