Joseph T. Burns: “I thank our distinguished Majority Leader and Senator Stevens for working with me, Senator McCain, Senator Hollings, and…”

“I thank our distinguished Majority Leader and Senator Stevens for working with me, Senator McCain, Senator Hollings, and Senator Breaux on the passage of S. 376, the Open-Market Reorganization for the Betterment of International Telecommunications Act, better known as ``ORBIT.'' The passage of ORBIT by unanimous consent today clearly indicates the Senate's overwhelming support for the approach taken in ORBIT to reform our satellite communications laws. I look forward to working with my good friend in the other body, Chairman Bliley, on getting this legislation enacted into law this year. ORBIT is a truly bipartisan bill that updates the Satellite Communications Act of 1962, expands competition, and encourages new market entrants in satellite communications. It will help to secure the rapid and pro-competitive privatization of INTELSAT by a date certain of January 1, 2002. The bill provides new incentives for INTELSAT's privatization, while at the same time, carries tough consequences if INTELSAT fails to achieve this important objective. The bill also brings needed reform to the U.S. signatory to INTELSAT, COMSAT, by removing its special privileges and immunities. In addition, the bill eliminates outdated statutory restrictions on the ownership of COMSAT, which will allow COMSAT to function like a normal, private commercial company.”