Gerald Kleczka: “I would like to discuss several important issues surrounding H.R. 1555, the Communications Act of 1995. Today, the House…”

“I would like to discuss several important issues surrounding H.R. 1555, the Communications Act of 1995. Today, the House is acting on a comprehensive telecommunications reform bill that some say is the most far-reaching legislation debated in recent memory. This bill would phaseout controls that inhibit open competition in the broadcast, local telephone, long-distance, cable, and cellular industries. The telecommunications industry is currently hampered by outdated restrictions and regulations that do not allow these innovative companies to enter each other's lines of business. Thus, consumers cannot benefit from increased competition and the companies are not fully able to develop new technologies that will benefit us all. This legislation is designed to allow companies to evolve while ensuring that consumers are not trampled in the process. Encouraging open and fair competition should be one of our highest priorities, and it is the best route to bringing the information superhighway up to speed. While I support the general direction of this bill and will vote for it on final passage, there are some important additions that will make this bill better. One such change is an amendment to protect consumers from cable rate increases by continuing regulation of existing cable systems until there is adequate competition.”