Sen DeMint Advocates New Approach On Reform

SEN DEMINT ADVOCATES NEW APPROACH ON REFORM
[SOURCE: Technology Daily, AUTHOR: Andrew Noyes]
Chances for market-based communications reform in the Democratic-led Congress are "slim to none," Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) said. But in the next few years, he said administrative changes at the FCC and "incremental legislation" could thwart more burdensome regulations on industry. Sen DeMint's comments came as the Progress and Freedom Foundation unveiled a report by a working group focused on the proposed Digital Age Communications Act, or DACA. Last year, the lawmaker introduced a bill nearly identical to the free-market think tank's model. Under the proposal, the FCC would be transformed into an agency that is more focused on antitrust and consumer protection. DACA rejects the agency's traditional state-empowered regulatory regime and reshapes it to look more like the FTC. "Playing defense" will be a major part of free-market proponents' strategy in the 110th Congress, Sen DeMint said. He urged PFF and its allies to continue to lobby the FCC. It is "more important than ever" to push for "the right way" to reform communications laws, he said. Sen DeMint added that he may be surprised by some Democratic newcomers on Capitol Hill who ran their campaigns on "conservative principles." They may support the DACA, he suggested.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-SZZK1163597343012.html