Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I would like to use some of our remaining time on this side to respond to several points that have been raised by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. First, while the majority argues that H.R. 3309 is only a ``light touch'' in making sure that the FCC follows the Obama Executive order on cost-benefit analysis, they failed to mention that such cost-benefit review is not judicially reviewable. That's a very important fact here. The Executive order states that it's ``not intended to and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable, at law, or in equity by any party against the United States.'' H.R. 3309, therefore, would create another avenue for appeal and litigation by corporate interests that oppose the FCC's efforts to take actions in the public interest, and no other Federal Agency would be subjected to such challenges. That's number one. That speaks to, I think, the public interest which, I think, is at the heart of what the FCC's responsibilities are. Second, Mr. Gingrey mentioned the shot clocks. There are 73 types of proceedings the FCC must consider, and each item can be, as we all know and anyone that is tuned in and listening to this knows, can be very complex. No wonder CBO estimated that H.R. 3309 would require the hiring of 20 additional employees. Thirdly, as the majority placed in the Record those that support the bill--even Mr.…”