[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 142 (Saturday, October 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S12284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ROLE OF THE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATIONS

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I want to take this time to recognize the 
important role and work of the Senate's Subcommittee on Communications 
this Congress and emphasize the challenges that lie ahead.
  The communications world encompasses so many areas that personally 
touch the lives of practically every person in America--from the 
telephone to the television to the computer. The ways we interact is a 
fitting reflection of the fast times in which we live and the constant 
evolution of technologies. Traditional systems are changing. Options 
are expanding. Companies continue to shift gears and take the necessary 
risks to bring fruition of the landmark 1996 Telecommunications Act to 
the marketplace and to consumers.
  Enacting policies to encourage, and not hinder, such activity is 
Congress' challenge. Mr. President, I believe the members of this 
subcommittee are ready and willing to embrace that challenge.
  I want to express my sincere gratitude to my colleague and friend, 
Senator Conrad Burns of Montana, for his yeoman's work as chairman of 
the subcommittee during the course of this Congress. His guidance has 
been instrumental in bringing focus to the many issues that merit 
attention. His inclusive and enthusiastic approach has engaged all who 
work with him, and I appreciate that.
  Mr. President, many contentious policy areas were considered by the 
subcommittee during the 105th, and consensus proved elusive. I am 
confident, though, that the stage has been set for several productive 
debates in the first session of the 106th--from Federal Communications 
Commission reauthorization, to international satellite privatization, 
to transition to digital, to competition issues, to Internet privacy 
and content.
  Speaking of the Internet, let me take this opportunity to mention my 
deep admiration for the contributions made by retiring Senator Dan 
Coats in this area. Although not a member of the Commerce Committee, he 
has tirelessly advocated against the Internet becoming a dirty book for 
our children, while responsibly taking into account first amendment 
concerns. I have the utmost respect for his efforts, and will truly 
miss his wisdom and his counsel.
  Mr. President, I appreciate the contributions of each of my 
subcommittee colleagues this Congress, and look forward to working with 
them next year in tackling some tough issues and ushering in a truly 
new era of communications.

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