While I appreciate the thoughtful work Senator Kerry has done on this issue, I do have some concerns on the idea of putting the FCC in the middle of carriage negotiations.

My colleague Senator Kerry has proposed reforming the current rules by giving the FCC additional authority to intervene during retrans disputes.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I urge my colleagues today to really think about whether our cable, satellite, broadcast regulations fit today's marketplace.

Our constituents should not be the pawns in these corporate negotiations.

My commitment--and I think my colleagues'--is to protecting consumers and finding the best way to do that.

Unfortunately, the current stimulus bill, I believe, does little, if anything, to actually stimulate the economy.

There are states that are losing population and the East and a lot of the Mid-West is not growing.

I think it is just because you and Senator Gregg have such sweet personalities.

Mr. Lew, thank you for volunteering at this really critical time in our country's history.

What Senator Warner just talked about could happen right now.