[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 5, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TELECOMMUNICATIONS REFORM

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, yesterday, my colleague from South 
Dakota, Senator Pressler, stated on the Senate floor that the 
administration was working through my office to block consideration of 
S. 652, the telecommunications bill. This statement was flat out wrong, 
and while Senator Pressler subsequently corrected his statement for the 
Congressional Record, the press has reported the inaccuracy. This issue 
is sufficiently important that the mistake needs to be pointed out.
  I have spoken with the Vice President concerning telecommunications 
reform legislation. The Vice President stated, as he apparently 
indicated to Senator Pressler, that the administration would like to 
see the bill improved in a couple of different areas. However, the Vice 
President did not ask, nor did I offer, to block consideration of the 
bill.
  I am committed to passing a telecommunications reform bill, I am 
eager to see the benefits of technology and communications services--
the so-called information superhighway--extended to all parts of this 
country, especially rural areas like my own State of South Dakota.
  The telecommunications bill is sweeping legislation addressing 
complex problems, and highly technical subjects. While I have taken no 
steps to block the bill from coming to the floor, I sympathize with 
those of my colleagues who desire the opportunity and time to study it. 
With the Senate schedule set for the balance of the week, and with the 
time provided by the upcoming Easter recess, Senators will have the 
chance to evaluate the proposal in detail prior to its coming to the 
floor.
  Again, let me reiterate, I have not sought to block consideration of 
S. 652. Our ranking member on the Commerce Committee, Senator Hollings, 
stands ready to proceed. Indeed, as Senator Pressler noted, every 
Democrat on the Commerce Committee voted for the bill at markup.
  I believe my intentions in regards to this matter are clear. I simply 
take this opportunity to reinforce my position that a 
telecommunications reform bill is among the most important legislation 
the Senate will consider this year.


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