[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 137 (Monday, October 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1906-E1907]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COMPETITION IN THE ELECTRONIC MARKETPLACE

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                           HON. STEVE LARGENT

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 5, 1998

  Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Speaker, within the next few weeks, a lawsuit filed 
by the U.S. Department of Justice and 20 state attorneys general to 
protect competition in the electronic marketplace will go to trial.
  The decision in this matter may define the development of the digital 
economy. And apart from the upcoming trial, Congress may be required to 
sort through the issues raised in this case, either in legislation or 
through additional hearing. In a month when Members of Congress are 
faced with many other critical issues, we should pay close attention to 
these proceedings.
  It is the interest of the American people for the Internet--the most 
important new marketplace to come along in decades--to develop in an 
atmosphere that promotes innovation by the thousands of software and 
online service companies across America.
  These electronic entrepreneurs have been one of the driving forces in 
the prolonged period of economic growth we have enjoyed in recent 
years. While I am usually a strong advocate for keeping the government 
out of the marketplace, there is too much at stake in the future of the 
Internet to run the risk that innovation will be stifled.
  Mistakes made today in maintaining competition could provide the 
justification down the road for unnecessary government regulation. Our 
economy and the public will be better served if these concerns are 
addressed today through efforts that fall short of regulation. While we 
should not rush to final judgement before a trial has been held, there 
is clearly ample reason for the Justice Department case to go forward.
  We are a nation governed by laws, not emotions. And regardless of the 
feelings some of us may have toward certain companies or the Department 
of Justice, we must make sure that our laws are being followed, and 
that the public interest is being protected.
  The scheduled trial is necessary to ensure that the law is being 
followed and that electronic commerce will continue to develop to

[[Page E1907]]

benefit both large and small companies, as well as the American people.

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