[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 141 (Tuesday, October 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               VIOLATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2000

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, as we near the end of this session, one of 
the country's largest companies is asking Congress for special 
treatment. According to numerous media reports, AT&T is asking Congress 
to attach an amendment to an appropriations bill to allow them to 
violate conditions they agreed to when their merger with MediaOne was 
approved by the FCC. This amendment would allow AT&T to violate the 
caps on cable ownership, caps that are designed to promote competition 
and protect consumers from price-gouging.
  No Member of either this House or the other body has introduced a 
bill to give AT&T this break, nor has a single hearing been held on the 
issue. To even consider this bill to enter legislation would not at 
this time be wise for the simple fact that we do not have enough proper 
information to make an informed decision concerning this break for 
AT&T.
  Mr. Speaker, we should ask that AT&T keep their word. As well we 
should reject any last minute legislation that has not been fully 
reviewed by the Congress.

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