Hon. Michael G. Oxley: “we have all witnessed the amazing growth of the Internet as it has become embedded in the U.S. economy in what seems…”

“we have all witnessed the amazing growth of the Internet as it has become embedded in the U.S. economy in what seems like just a few short years. Businesses, schools, and home users are demanding faster, more dependable service. It is important for our economy and international competitiveness that the best quality Internet service be made available to the widest audience as soon as possible. By reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, Congress can promote the kind of competition that will increase the availability and affordability of high-speed Internet access. For all of the advantages of advanced communications, however, there is a dark side. Terrorists and criminals can use the Internet and cell phones to communicate confidentially. Our law enforcement has been scrambling to keep up with the advanced technologies that the bad guys are using. CALEA--The Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act--was passed in 1994 to make sure that the FBI and local police have the technical ability to conduct legal electronic surveillance to protect our society. It has disturbed me that full compliance with CALEA has been painfully slow in coming.”