Political Quotes

“I extend my sincere appreciation to Senate Commerce Committee Chairman McCain, Senator Hollings, House Commerce Committee Chairman Bliley, Representative Markey, and all of the other Members of the Senate-House conference for working together in a bi-partisan manner on satellite reform legislation. Through the dedication of the conference, and in particular Chairman Bliley, the 106th Congress can now present President Clinton with the opportunity to sign into law a meaningful bill that will enhance market competition and benefit consumers everywhere. When I undertook the challenge of guiding legislation through the Senate that would encourage genuine competition in the rapidly evolving international satellite communications industry through deregulation, I declared five basic principles that would serve as the foundation for my effort. (1) The legislation must enhance competition in the global satellite communications market; (2) The legislation must be consistent with the United States' existing treaty obligations; (3) The legislation must enhance global satellite connectivity to all areas, including remote and rural; (4) The legislation must ultimately increase consumers' choices, enable technological innovation and lower costs; and (5) The legislation cannot impose any unnecessary new regulatory schemes on this vibrant global industry.”