Alcee Hastings: “I rise in support of H.R. 1555. This vital legislation makes long overdue changes to current communications laws by…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1555. This vital legislation makes long overdue changes to current communications laws by eliminating the legal barriers that prevent true competition. I am particularly pleased that H.R. 1555 will break down barriers to telecommunications for people with disabilities by requiring that carriers and manufacturers of telecommunications equipment make their network services and equipment accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The time is past for all persons to have access to telecommunications services. H.R. 1555 assigns to the FCC the regulatory functions of ensuring that the Bell companies have complied with all of the conditions that we have imposed on their entry into long distance. This bill requires the Bell companies to interconnect with their competitors and to provide to them the features, functions, and capabilities of the Bell companies' networks that the new entrants need to compete. It also contains other checks and balances to ensure that competition in local and long distance grows. The Justice Department still has the role that was granted to it under the Sherman and Clayton Acts and other antitrust laws. Their role is to enforce the anti-trust laws and ensure that all companies comply with the requirements of the bill. The Department of Justice enforces the antitrust laws of this country. It is a role that they have performed well.…”