Angie Craig: “after many years of failed attempts, this Congress will have the overdue opportunity to reform the 1934 Communications…”

“after many years of failed attempts, this Congress will have the overdue opportunity to reform the 1934 Communications Act. Senator Pressler, the chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, is to be commended for his efforts to get legislation passed out of the committee and onto the floor of the Senate. Mr. President, the Telecommunications Competition and Deregulation Act of 1995, S. 652, is a very comprehensive bill covering all areas of the telecommunications industry. S. 652 is a vast improvement over the status quo. However, it could be made more deregulatory, better enhancing competition in the marketplace. Therefore, I hope that the final bill passed by the Senate will incorporate a number of deregulatory amendments. As I mentioned, this is a very comprehensive bill, so I will limit my remarks at this time, to more general issues of concern and interest. First, and foremost, it is important that we do not lose sight of the ultimate goal of reforming the 1934 act, which should be to establish a national policy framework that will accelerate the private sector deployment of advanced telecommunications and information technologies and services to all Americans by opening all telecommunications markets to competition. In addition, working toward that goal should spur economic growth, create jobs, increase productivity, and provide better services at a lower cost to consumers.”