Political Quotes

“I am just amazed at what I am hearing from my friends on the other side of the aisle. I have been on the Energy and Commerce Committee for the past 13 years, and I have been on the Telecommunications Subcommittee for most of that time. We have had hearing after hearing after hearing involving the DTV transition. It may be technically true that we haven't had a specific hearing on this bill, but we have had hearings ad nauseam on the whole issue. And what are we talking about? We are talking about a 115-day delay. We are not talking about a 10-year delay. We are saying 115 days--3 months, 4 months--to give us time to put our house in order so that people's televisions don't go blank. I don't think that is so unreasonable. I am amazed at the opposition to 115 days. Now, I support this bill. I do it reluctantly because the transition to DTV will offer great benefits to our Nation. In recent weeks, it has become crystal clear that what I have been saying for years on the Energy and Commerce Committee is true--that we have not provided nearly enough resources or education for this transition to be successful. So, if we wait 115 days so it will be more successful, what is the problem?”