Eliot Engel: “I rise in support of the COPE Act. Fundamentally, it is all about promoting greater competition in the video service…”

“I rise in support of the COPE Act. Fundamentally, it is all about promoting greater competition in the video service industry, what we often call cable, but is no longer limited to that delivery system. We have all heard the complaints from our constituents about the rising cost of cable. For part of my district, the fact is there is no competitor to cable. Satellite TV signals can't magically go around tall buildings nor pass through them to reach someone on the other side. The COPE Act will speed competition into the video service industry and drive down prices. I am also pleased with the VoIP provisions of the bill. I was an early proponent to require emergency 911 services for VoIP providers. I am also pleased that we cleaned up the rules for VoIP providers to interconnect, thus providing the same level playing field that C-LECs enjoyed. Finally, I was pleased to offer language requiring disabilities access with my colleague from Washington (Mr. Inslee). With the support of Chairman Upton, we have ensured that disabled Americans will be a full part of this broadband resolution. We will consider a number of amendments today, some I will support because I believe that they will make this a better bill. I would have voted for the Baldwin and Solis amendments if they had been allowed to be put forth. Nevertheless, we start with a good base bill, and it will have my support on final passage regardless of which amendments pass.…”