Patrick Leahy: “I have strongly objected to the proposed Federal Communications Commission rules that I believe essentially rob States…”

“I have strongly objected to the proposed Federal Communications Commission rules that I believe essentially rob States and communities of the authority to decide where unsightly telecommunications towers should be built, and I want to renew my objection to those proposed rules. Back when the Telecommunications Act of 1996 passed, there were only five Senators who voted against it. I was one of the five. One of my fears was that the will and voices of States and of local communities would be muzzled. As a lifelong Vermonter, I didn't want to see that happen to my State. Unfortunately, the fears I had at that time have been confirmed. Under the so-called telecommunications reform bill, Vermont towns and towns in other States have very little say when big and unsightly towers are proposed. Towns can no longer just say, ``No, you can't put that awful tower in our community, blocking our scenic vistas.'' It is unfortunate that 91 Senators said they were willing to see the rights of towns and cities trampled that way.”