[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4682-S4683]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             HIGH-TECH WEEK

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate will be 
considering a series of bills that truly impact

[[Page S4683]]

and shape our lives in this age of ever-changing technology.
  Many of us in this chamber can remember a time when the words 
``Internet'' and ``intellectual property'' had no meaning in our day-
to-day activities. That is changing. Rapidly changing. New, competitive 
markets are emerging, and exploding, thanks to continuing technological 
advancements and innovations.
  The potential benefits of such unprecedented growth is exciting. 
Besides transforming the structure of the communications industry, high 
technology is literally changing the way millions of us live and do 
business.
  I would like to share a good Samaritan story about how wireless 
technology does impact, and possibly save, lives.
  Mrs. Debbie Sanders, one of my constituents from the small town of 
Enid, Mississippi, is the 1998 recipient of the VITA Wireless Samaritan 
Award for her act of heroism. On her way home from a long day at work 
as a store's assistant manager, Debbie saw a car flipped upside down in 
a water-filled ditch. She used her wireless phone to call for help and 
pulled the victim from the vehicle. Not sure of her exact location on 
this lonely stretch of deserted, rural road, Debbie had to remain on 
the phone for over one hour with emergency personnel until she and the 
victim could be reached.
  Mr. President, this is only one example of how high technology can 
enhance our world.
  There will be boundless opportunity in the next century for new 
technological applications to evolve. With that opportunity will come 
an absolute necessity for a highly skilled labor work force to ensure 
America's competitive standing and high-technology leadership. Our 
vibrant economy is directly tied to this cutting-edge technology. Bills 
that advance our country's ability to compete will strengthen our 
future and our children's future.
  Several measures will be considered, but I want to particularly 
mention the Consumer Anti-Slamming Protection Act. We need a public 
policy to crack down on slamming. We need to protect the telephone 
consumer. The world indeed is shrinking, and we all have come to depend 
upon long distance service, not as a luxury but as a necessity. We want 
to talk to those closest to our hearts, wherever they may be.
  The practice of ``slamming''--unauthorized switching of long distance 
telephone service carriers by competing service providers--must stop. 
It is abusive to the consumer, and has become much too frequent and too 
disruptive. Our colleagues have told us horror stories in the past, and 
today we will hear even more illustrations of slamming abuses. With 
this statute, I join my colleagues in urging the FCC to strengthen its 
enforcement program to stop this unscrupulous practice. Tougher 
penalties against companies that intentionally slam will be an 
effective solution.
  I want to thank my Senate colleagues for their diligent leadership 
and keen focus on tackling these legislative challenges. Their 
willingness and commitment to work in a bipartisan manner is the reason 
we are here today. Although some of the issues may be fundamentally 
noncontroversial, I know the issues are complex, and I appreciate their 
efforts.
  Mr. President, I look forward to the debate. It is also my hope that 
progress will be continued, and consensus achieved, on other critical 
pieces of legislation to address a variety of high-technology related 
concerns shared by many in this Chamber.

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