Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3309, the Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act. I agree that cost-benefit analysis is an important factor that independent agencies should consider before issuing new rules and regulations. To that end, I have supported bipartisan legislation that would require other agencies, like the CFTC and the SBA, to conduct similar analyses. Mr. Chairman, in our efforts to change the rulemaking process at the FCC, it is important that we consider unintended consequences. My amendment is very simple and limited in scope. It simply expresses that nothing in this act shall impede the FCC from implementing rules to ensure broadband access in rural areas. I would like to clarify that this amendment is not intended to influence the current debate concerning the FCC's reforms to the Universal Service Fund. Last year, I introduced legislation that would direct the Department of Agriculture to craft a comprehensive plan to expand broadband access to rural America. If such a plan were enacted under the bill we are considering today, the FCC would likely be required to conduct additional market surveys and analysis that could delay its implementation. New York's 23rd Congressional District is 14,000 square miles and encompasses a large portion of the State's rural communities.…”