[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 18]
[House]
[Page 25312]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    REFORM OF THE BROAD BAND POLICY

  (Mr. BALDACCI asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues to 
continue the debate on broad band issues. It is vital, especially in 
rural areas in the country such as States like Maine that there exists 
a competitive environment for opening up high-speed information 
services. I have cosponsored legislation on this important issue and 
hope that we move to initiate to open up the market in data markets 
throughout the country and also in Maine. If we encourage high-speed 
Internet connections to multiply, rural areas that are currently left 
out of this market will benefit. It will increase consumer choices and 
will assure the Internet will quickly advance technology, allowing more 
and better interactive media, high-speed data and video systems.
  It is my hope with full Internet access we will enable rural States 
like Maine to compete on a more equal footing in the economic sphere 
and enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens. Advancing such 
economic opportunities is one of the most important things that we can 
do as Members of Congress. I encourage my colleagues to work towards 
reform of the broad band policy.

                          ____________________