[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H4532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  URGING THE FCC TO COMPLETE ITS WORK

  (Mr. BOSWELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, as the Members know, I with many others in 
our Congress have served halfway around the world in a place called 
Southeast Asia. Sometimes we wondered how long it would take to get the 
equipment to us. It would take up to a month, but it always arrived. It 
always got there.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure all of us in this Chamber would agree that we 
must ensure the government operates efficiently and in a timely manner. 
However, a situation has come to my attention that I find very 
troubling.
  Three months ago, the FCC adopted its Triennial Review order. I 
believe the economic implications of this action will be of great 
benefit throughout our Nation. However, the FCC has had 3 months to 
issue rules on this action and has done nothing. Meanwhile the 
companies are held hostage because, quite frankly, their hands are 
tied.
  Mr. Speaker, how is it possible the United States can ship a large 
piece of military equipment halfway around the world in a shorter 
period of time than it takes the FCC to send its rules up a flight of 
stairs?
  I am here today urging the FCC to complete its work and bring some 
certainty to the telecommunications industry so that our Nation can 
move forward and our economy can once again begin to grow.

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