Lateefah Simon: “today I submit an amendment that I plan to offer to S. 652, the telecommunications bill next week. The amendment will…”

“today I submit an amendment that I plan to offer to S. 652, the telecommunications bill next week. The amendment will ensure that when the Regional Bell Operating Companies enter the business of manufacturing, the consumer will be protected against possible price increases as a result of cross-subsidization and self-dealing. While some of us may disagree on the wisdom of allowing the Bell companies into manufacturing, no one should disagree on the need to ensure the consumer is protected against possible rate increases. I applaud the authors of the legislation for including certain safeguards already in the legislation. My amendment would take these protections one step further by requiring an audit conducted at the direction of the State. The language, which is based on last year's telecommunications bill, is simple and straightforward. I hope that my colleagues will agree and adopt this important amendment.”