[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 158 (Thursday, October 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SALUTING JIM QUELLO, ``DEAN OF THE FCC''

                                 ______


                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 1995

  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment today 
to salute a dedicated public servant who has given generously of his 
time and talents to the Federal Communications Commission for the past 
21 years: FCC Commissioner James H. Quello.
  Before and since I became chairman of the House Telecommunications 
and Finance Subcommittee, I have enjoyed working with Commissioner 
Quello, and I have benefited greatly from his unparalleled knowledge of 
communications issues. It's accurate to say that no one has played a 
greater role for a longer period of time in our country's and the 
world's communications revolution than has Jim Quello.
  While Jim has impressed me in many ways, I have been particularly 
impressed with Jim's efforts to reduce regulation, and foster 
competition, in the telecommunications industry whenever possible. 
Likewise, I have come to appreciate his principled and consistent 
defense of the First Amendment at the FCC. Press freedom has no more 
vigorous ally in the federal government than Jim Quello, and all 
Americans can take comfort in that fact.
  Perhaps the reason that Jim understands broadcasting issues so well 
is that prior to joining the FCC, he served as vice president and 
general manager of WJR in Detroit. As a broadcaster, he was recognized 
for his leading roles in a number of civic and community service 
projects.
  And perhaps the reason that Jim is so universally respected is the 
fairness and common sense he brings to every issue that comes before 
him. Jim is a Democrat. But he has been appointed to the FCC four times 
by Republican presidents and, has been confirmed by the United States 
Senate on four separate occasions, winning the support of overwhelming 
and bipartisan majorities.
  While serving as station manager at WJR, he served as a member of the 
Detroit Housing and Urban Renewal Commission for 21 years, having been 
appointed and reappointed by four different mayors. Similarly, he 
served for 22 years as a trustee of the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, 
having been appointed and reappointed by both Democratic and Republican 
governors.
  Jim has always believed in service to others, and to his country. As 
a young man, he served in the Army during World War II, spending 33 
months overseas in Africa, Italy, France and Germany. During his Army 
service, he survived six amphibious landings and rose in rank from 
lieutenant to lieutenant colonel.
  A list of awards and honors that have been bestowed upon him would 
fill many, many pages of the Congressional Record, Mr. Speaker. I do 
want to point out, however, that this list of awards includes the 
National Association of Broadcasters' highest award, the 
``Distinguished Service Award;'' the Radio and Television News 
Directors Foundation's ``First Amendment Award;'' the National 
Religious Broadcasters Association's ``Chairman's Award;'' the National 
Association of Broadcasters' ``Award of Honor;'' the Community 
Broadcasters Association's ``Lifetime Achievement Award;'' and the 
National Cable Television Association's first ``Distinguished Public 
Service Award.''
  Those of us who know Jim Quello and who have the privilege of working 
with him deeply appreciate his hard work at the FCC. His long and 
distinguished record of service at the FCC--not to mention his awesome 
tennis prowess--inspire all of us who are interested in the 
telecommunications industry. For my part, I simply wanted him to know 
how grateful I am for his public service, for his assistance, his 
advice and his friendship. I wish him, and his wife of 58 years, Mary, 
the very best in the years ahead.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

                          ____________________