We need new diligence here, a new level of interest in making certain that we have one standard, that passengers can rely on one standard when they board an airplane.

I want to thank all of you for joining us today to talk about the importance of the issue of aviation safety.

This is a hearing of the subcommittee of the Senate Commerce Committee, the Subcommittee on Aviation.

I mean, we have--in fact, I've written about one of the carriers that flies an empty Airbus 320 to El Salvador for repair.

I think this Commission now with a full complement of Commissioners will be making decisions that will have a profound impact on what the American people see, hear and read in the coming years.

I have introduced legislation with Senator Snowe and others on this Committee to require the Commission to work with NTIA on a comprehensive spectrum inventory.

I am going to support both nominees.

The quarterly contribution rate to the Universal Service Fund is as high as it has ever been.

Many of us think that concentration has been very unhealthy.

I support Robert McDowell's nomination. I think the President has sent us a nomination that is a solid nomination of someone well qualified.

I think you are going to see some of the biggest challenges that we have faced in this field.

We hope that you will commit in the hearings to a strong, candid, and really cooperative relationship with the Committee.

We need more transparency, more openness, in policy development.

It seems to me you will lead a rather unhealthy agency.

You could actually remove that burden by taking a very significant step in solving that issue.

Concentration in ownership of the media, including television, radio and the proposals for the cross-ownerships of newspapers--it's a very serious issue, because it will have a significant impact on what people in this democracy can see…

We're finally going to have an FCC with all five members seated, present and willing to debate and vote on issues.

The foundation for democratic self-government is basic information to the American people.