George P. Radanovich: “Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support H.R. 5252, the COPE Act. Today's communications networks have…”

“Thanks, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise to support H.R. 5252, the COPE Act. Today's communications networks have become national and international in nature, therefore it does not make sense to still require companies to provide video services to meet varying requirements in tens of thousands of different areas. We have seen evidence and heard stories of the months and years it takes to get any one individual franchise, and in some cases video providers must get dozens of individual franchises to service one area. All that does is slow down competition. This bill also helps get the next generation Internet to consumers with the ability to provide voice, data, and now video, telecommunications companies will be able to develop and increase their infrastructure and provide better and cheaper services. This is one of the most pro-consumer bills to come to the floor this year, and we need to make sure that the President signs video voice legislation this year. I urge all my colleagues to vote for the COPE Act.”