[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 25, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H7560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        EMBRACE NEW TELECOMMUNI- CATIONS TECHNOLOGIES

  (Ms. ESHOO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I amended the telecommunications bill to 
ensure the emergence of the Smart House--a fully automated digital home 
which the chart next to me diagrams. It is all about the future.
  The amendment ensures that the FCC does not limit consumers' ability 
to use their computers to provide security, maintain air quality, and 
provide entertainment.
  The language is supported by American business alliances including 
the Telecommunications Industry Association [TIA], the Alliance to 
Promote Software Innovation [APSI], and the National Cable Television 
Association [NCTA].
  On the other hand, foreign TV manufacturers are pushing for FCC 
standards that will establish television sets as the gatekeeper to home 
automation systems.
  Mr. Speaker, the issue is simply. We can either embrace the future by 
allowing new technologies to flourish with minimum Government 
interference or cling to the past.
  I urge you to protect the cable compatibility language in H.R. 1555 
and oppose any amendment to limit or strike it.


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