[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 87 (Friday, July 1, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TELECOMMUNICATIONS: THE NEW FRONTIER

 Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, we are standing at the threshold 
of a new frontier. This frontier is being defined and redefined by the 
rapid development and deployment of telecommunications technology. 
Change is rapid and dramatic not only because of the technology itself, 
but also because of its potential to touch tangibly each and every 
American through the development of what is commonly referred to as the 
``information highway.''
  As a nation, we are benefiting from the advantages of universal 
telecommunications service, and this concept continues to serve as the 
compass leading to a better future. Telecommunications has the power to 
change the way we learn, work and play, and, by means of these changes, 
to improve our lives. What's more, this technology offers rural 
Americans the chance to level the playing field in business, health 
care, and education like never before. Already we have seen many 
examples of advanced communications technologies providing a host of 
benefits to rural America.
  I would like to applaud the efforts of all those who have offered 
proposals and suggestions for enhancing the development of the 
information highway. In particular, Senator Hollings, chairman of the 
Senate Commerce Committee, deserves great credit for putting this issue 
on our legislative radar screen. And Senators Breaux and Packwood have 
focused on issues that merit further attention in this debate.
  I believe those interested in our Nation's telecommunications future 
share the same goals--universal service, open access to networks, and 
increased competition in the marketplace. The question we all must 
ponder is how to most effectively, and fairly, achieve them. I am 
hopeful that we can work together to craft and enact a proposal that 
will further these objectives.
  Increasing competition within the phone, cable, and other 
communications networks is one of the most fundamental steps we can 
take to expedite the construction of the information highway. While 
almost everyone seems to agree on this point, significant differences 
arise when the discussion falls to how best to accomplish this goal.
  The issue of relative market power and the quality of the 
telecommunications ``playing field'' is an important issue that 
deserves serious reflection. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we 
move quickly to open the doors to increased competition in all markets. 
Senators Breaux and Packwood have taken this issue head on by proposing 
that all competitors be treated equally from the start under the rules 
governing entry into other markets. I believe there is merit to their 
basic argument. My objective is to achieve competitive balance as part 
of any final legislative determination.
  In my view, the Breaux-Packwood proposal makes the most progress 
toward opening markets and increasing competition. The Hollings bill, 
meanwhile, makes a particularly strong contribution toward the goal of 
universal service. It is my hope that the Senate can work together in a 
bipartisan effort to craft a compromise that draws on the strengths of 
all proposals that have been offered.
  To this end, I would like to commend the House of Representatives on 
their success in passing comprehensive and bipartisan 
telecommunications legislation earlier this week. Their decisive action 
has shown that it is possible, through careful consultation and 
compromise, to craft legislation in this area that is considered 
workable by a broad range of interests.
  Congress' job is to set the policy that will allow and enhance the 
rapid development of the information highway and enable us to bring 
advanced telecommunications technology into more homes, schools, 
hospitals, and small businesses than ever before. I look forward to 
constructive debate on these issues, and am hopeful that we can work 
together to formulate a policy that is fair, judicious, and sensitive 
to the legitimate concerns of all parties involved. We have an enormous 
challenge ahead of us. I am confident, however, that we are up to the 
task, and I pledge my commitment to this effort.

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