Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “it seems like old times debating a telecommunications bill. It has been a while since I had that opportunity, and I see…”

“it seems like old times debating a telecommunications bill. It has been a while since I had that opportunity, and I see some familiar faces on both sides. I first want to congratulate my good friend from Michigan for his concerted efforts on this legislation as well as Chairman Barton and other members who have worked on this legislation. This is a good solid follow-up of the 1996 Act. It recognizes market forces, it gets government out of picking winners and losers. I chair the Financial Service Committee now, and there have been some arguments about whether the net neutrality issue that the gentleman from Massachusetts will be offering will be a boon for the financial services industry. I am here to say that the financial services industry understands competition, they understand choice, they understand how markets work, and the folks that are represented in that financial services community will benefit by this legislation without the Markey amendment, and that is what is important to keep in mind. This has been a great effort. I congratulate again all those who have put this bill on the floor today. I rise in strong support of H.R. 5252, the Communications Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006. I've been a believer in the power of competition in telecommunications since I came to Congress 25 years ago.…”