[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 21610-21611]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



ADVANCING INNOVATON--GUARANTEEING THE LONG TERM VIABILITY OF AMERICA'S 
                           HIGH-TECH ECONOMY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, November 5, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to state my support for the 
settlement reached between the Justice Department and Microsoft last 
Friday. This deal will bring to a close the long-standing anti-trust 
battle that has affected the entire computer technology industry. 
Though some wish the deal had gone further,

[[Page 21611]]

I believe it strikes the necessary balance, respecting Microsoft's 
strength and success while maintaining healthy competition in the 
technology sector. I believe it is an important step to restoring our 
nation's dynamic economy. I agree with Microsoft's Chairman Bill Gates 
that the settlement is fair, reasonable, and the right thing for the 
software industry.
  Microsoft has long been an innovative leader. Microsoft stands as an 
example of the excellence of American enterprise. I respect Microsoft's 
role provided they leave the door open for the significant contribution 
and innovation of other firms. I admire Microsoft's commitment to the 
settlement and its ongoing commitment to improving its revolutionary 
software. I am confident that Microsoft will make the necessary changes 
to assuage and prove false its competitors who attack the company's 
cutting-edge productivity products as predatory. I am glad that both 
parties could come to an agreement that respects the important 
contributions Microsoft has made and will continue to make and that 
insures free competition, the hallmark of America's economy.
  I am sure everyone involved would have preferred for this arrangement 
to be reached earlier. Still, the settlement is an important step in 
closing Microsoft's legal battles and allowing them time to focus on 
improving the way America does business. Both Microsoft and the Justice 
Department made significant compromises during the course of the 
settlement; I am pleased with the efforts of both parties and look 
forward to the energy this settlement will undoubtedly bring to the 
technology sector.
  More than either party, consumers will benefit with Microsoft to 
focus fully on technological innovation, and with a more open market. 
Microsoft's settlement comes at a particularly advantageous time for 
New York and the rest of the country. America's premier software firm 
has much to offer the country through our current economic downturn. 
After substantial negotiations, the settlement has already strengthened 
the Stock Exchange and our economy. I am sure that Microsoft and her 
many competitors will be a crucial piece in leading our nation back to 
economic prosperity.

                          ____________________