[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 40 (Friday, March 26, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E463]]
                         MICROSOFT EU DECISION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2004

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I'm from Seattle and I have a good 
neighbor named Microsoft.
  A while back, they got out of line. The European Union said so. 
Microsoft said so.
  Both sides have been negotiating to reach a just and fair settlement. 
It looked like good faith negotiations would lead to a common good 
solution. But, the decision issued by the EU falls short in my 
judgment.
  At best, the EU leaves the matter unresolved with more legal action a 
certainty. At worst, consumers across Europe face confusion, and 
perhaps even fewer choices than anyone intended in a settlement. We can 
do better. The EU should find a way to re-visit its decision.
  On the horizon are extraordinary new ideas and they will have their 
own challenges. We have to confront and settle the past. Fairly, yes. 
Fully, yes. Finally, yes. This is an opportunity to do just that. I 
hope the EU takes it.
  Thank you.

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