[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPE- TITION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. RICK LAZIO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Speaker, I want to compliment Subcommittee 
Chairman Tauzin and Chairman Bliley as well as the Ranking Democrats of 
the full and subcommittee, Mr. Dingell and Mr. Markey for their work in 
bringing this bipartisan legislation before the House today. I imagine 
all of us have heard from friends, neighbors, and constituents who have 
been victims of slamming. I know I have heard from Long Islanders who 
are so frustrated that somehow, without their knowledge, their long 
distance carrier has been switched. Trying to get their phone bill 
corrected and switched back to their desired carrier can be a time-
consuming and frustrating experience.
  The legislation before us today should accomplish two goals. First, 
it should reduce the likelihood that consumers will be slammed. The 
bill therefore encourages carriers to act responsibly by adhering to a 
new Code of Subscribers Protection Practices. Carriers who do not 
comply with the Code's consumer protection requirements and then make 
an error will be subject to FCC civil penalties as well as a possible 
fine. Second, Congress cannot legislate away human error. If a consumer 
loses his long distance carrier and has not been slammed, this bill 
should make it easy for the consumer to rectify quickly the situation. 
This bill says the consumer will only have to make one call to return 
to the carrier of his choice. Additionally, to compensate the consumer 
for his trouble, he will be switched back to his authorized carrier for 
free and will be credited up to 30 days of service. Because consumers 
will not have to be obligated to pay for the service they used after 
they have been slammed, carriers will have every incentive to guard 
against mistakes. Carriers will no longer be able to profit from 
slamming.
  The bill before the House today also strikes a fair balance because a 
long distance company has the opportunity to produce their records of a 
verified sale when faced with a consumer complaint. This is very 
important legislation that seeks to protect American families and 
businesses from slamming. I urge its adoption.

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