Russ Feingold: “as we take up this important anti- slamming bill, which of course deals with consumer problems with telephone service, I…”

“as we take up this important anti- slamming bill, which of course deals with consumer problems with telephone service, I am pleased that the Senate has agreed to this amendment to provide a practical solution to the all too common problem of interference with residential home electronic equipment caused by unlawful use of citizens band [CB] radios. I want to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Senator McCain, and the ranking member, Senator Hollings, for agreeing to include this amendment in the slamming bill. The problem of CB radio interference can be extremely distressing for residents who cannot have a telephone conversation, watch television, or listen to the radio without being interrupted by a neighbor's illegal use of a CB radio. Unfortunately, under the current law, those residents have little recourse. The amendment I offered today will provide those residents with a practical solution to this problem. Up until recently, the FCC has enforced its rules outlining what equipment may or may not be used for CB radio transmissions, how long transmissions may be broadcast, what channels may be used, as well as many other technical requirements. FCC also investigated complaints that a CB radio enthusiast's transmissions interfered with a neighbor's use of home electronic and telephone equipment. FCC receives thousands of such complaints annually.…”