[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 22 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 652, TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996

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                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to comment on the passage of 
the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This legislation, if properly 
implemented, has the potential to usher in an era of truly fair 
competition in all aspects of telecommunications. A decade or so ago, 
Judge Greene broke up Ma Bell, and consumers enjoyed a precipitous 
decline in the cost of long-distance service made possible by 
competition among 500 providers of long-distance service.
  However, today we do not have competition in the local market. This 
legislation seeks to change that, and so I am pleased to see the 
President sign it into law.
  But, Mr. Speaker, before any regional Bell company enters the long-
distance market, there must be competition in its local market. That is 
what fair competition is all about.
  Our job is not finished. Rather, it is vital that Congress keep 
vigilant oversight over the implementation of this act. If, instead of 
unleashing full blown competition, this legislation starts us on the 
path of having seven monopolies dominate local and long-distance 
service, we must intervene. I am very hopeful, that will not be 
necessary. The best way to ensure that this does not happen is if the 
FCC heeds the counsel of the Attorney General, who will be evaluating 
Bell company applications to enter the long-distance market.
  Again, if implemented properly, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 
will give consumers more choices for local telephone service without 
jeopardizing the benefits of competition they already enjoy in long 
distance.

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