Political Quotes

“And I rise in opposition to the Unlocking Consumer Choice and Wireless Competition Act. I support the sentiment behind this bill, and I support the version that was reported out of the Judiciary Committee. However, unfortunately, an important change that I will discuss to the detriment of this bill was added last week, just prior to this bill being brought to the floor. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte) gave some background with regard to why a bill is necessary. Ever since the Library of Congress ruled last year that unlocking your cell phone violates copyright law, there have been a number of us on both sides of the aisle who have worked to ensure that consumers have the right to unlock their wireless devices and use their property as they see fit. I am proud to be a cosponsor of Congresswoman Lofgren's bill, the Unlocking Technology Act of 2013, which gives consumers the right to unlock their devices on a permanent basis. Before I came to Congress, I was an entrepreneur who started a number of businesses, and I understand firsthand the importance of allowing a free market to thrive and to create a positive environment for businesses and consumers alike. Allowing consumers to unlock their cell phones, which are their own personal property, can spur competition, allowing new start-up carriers to succeed, lowering prices, and increasing service options for all cell phone users.…”