[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2435]]



                        IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 2420

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, we need to make sure that America's schools, 
libraries, and rural clinics are allowed to capitalize on the newest 
computer and data communications technology.
  In 1996, Congress and the Clinton Administration joined together to 
establish a program to extend the Internet to all our schools. That 
effort is underway--at a cost of about $2.45 billion a year, 
incidentally. But in this field, just like everywhere else, it is the 
weakest link in the chain that matters. And, the ``weak link'' here is 
the data communications network--or, more accurately, the lack of such 
a network.
  Mr. Speaker, instead of trying to expand these networks by harnessing 
the power of competition, economic freedom, and individual choice, the 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seems to be relying on 
yesterday's tools--heavy handed and restrictive regulation.
  That's not my estimate, it's the considered judgment of two of this 
country's experts--Congressman John Dingell and his colleague, the 
Chairman of the House Telecommunications Subcommittee, Congressman 
Tauzin.
  Their appraisal of the situation is that we need to modernize and 
reform FCC regulation--because, otherwise, the data links which this 
country needs, are just not going to be available. That is the 
philosophy reflected in their bill, H.R. 2420. And, it is a pro-growth, 
pro-progress view which I want to embrace.
  Mr. Speaker, if we can accomplish reform in this field, all of the 
experts are predicting that there can be a rapid expansion of our 
communications networks. That expansion, in turn, will help connect our 
schools, libraries, and clinics faster. And that will yield substantial 
public policy dividends.

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