[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 83 (Monday, June 27, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   REGARDING H.R. 3626 AND H.R. 3636

                                 ______


                            HON. JIM NUSSLE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 1994

  Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce 
Committee and the Judiciary Committee have been working very diligently 
over the past year and one-half to determine the Nation's 
communications policies for the 21st century. While the Communications 
Act of 1934 has been successful in many instances, it is evident to me 
this law needs to be updated to reflect the recent technological 
advancements in the communications industry. And I commend the members 
who serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Judiciary 
Committee for their efforts to determine reasonable policies to reflect 
the recent changes in the industry.
  The Energy and Commerce Committee approved two bills earlier this 
year: H.R. 3636, addressing the long distance and manufacturing 
restrictions on the Bell breakup agreement, and H.R. 3636, dealing with 
competition in the cable television and local telephone markets. The 
Judiciary Committee approved a slightly different version of H.R. 3626, 
and it is my understanding a compromise version of this legislation has 
been agreed to by both committees.
  While I am pleased the House is scheduled to debate and vote on these 
pieces of legislation tomorrow, I want to pause for a moment at the 
outset of consideration of these bills by the full House of 
Representatives to raise an important issue which we should keep in 
mind throughout the debate on these bills. These bills are intended to 
promote competition and stimulate investment. While some regulatory 
oversight is needed over the new policies, it seems to me the bills 
should not be inundated with unreasonable regulations and requirements 
of the Federal Communications Commission and/or the Justice Department.
  Increased competition in the telecommunications industry will led to 
lower prices and more choices for consumers. Most importantly, rural 
areas will be better served if there is more competition in the 
industry. It seems to me the best way to foster more competition to 
lower prices, increase choices, and improve service to consumers is to 
minimize, to the extent practicably possible, regulatory requirements 
and bureaucratic red tape facing the industry.
  I look forward to the debate that will ensue on these bills. And I am 
hopeful Congress will shape communications policies for the 21st 
century without imposing unnecessary regulations and bureaucratic red 
tape.

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