[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 69 (Friday, May 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             URGING THE FCC TO RELEASE ITS TRIENNIAL REVIEW

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                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the inaction of 
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding the Triennial 
Review of the 1996 Telecommunications Act adopted on February 20, 2003.
  Mr. Speaker, regardless of where members come down on the issue of 
local telephone competition, one thing is clear to all of us; NO ONE 
has seen the order which was adopted more than two months ago. If the 
House of Representatives considers legislation pertaining to this 
matter, we should have the actual document to review before we vote.
  The FCC adopted rules dealing with local telephone competition more 
than two months ago that have yet to be put to paper so that the 
affected companies can review the order, and the telecommunications 
industry is hemorrhaging. Jobs, capital investment and investor equity 
are being squandered at an unprecedented rate. This lack of clarity is 
prolonging this downward spiral. Many have referred to the chaos and 
uncertainty in the industry caused by this order. While some of this 
may be rhetoric, every day that goes by adds more credence to the fact 
that the delay in the release of this order is detrimental to the 
telecommunications industry.
  I urge the FCC to release its Triennial Review as soon as possible.

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