MEDIA & SOCIETY
Looking at the Net From a 19th Century View (CyberTimes)
Candidates Falling Into The Finally Open Arms Of High
Technology (NYT)
Speech: Giving Voice to the Voiceless (FCC)
OWNERSHIP
Microsoft Is Acquiring 4% Stake In Nextel (NYT)
Washington To Scrutinize Merger (B&C)
Hearing on Mergers and Consolidation in
Communications Industry (Senate)
Access to Buildings and Facilities by Telecommunications
Providers (House)
Candidates Falling Into The Finally Open Arms Of High
Technology (NYT)
TELEVISION
All This for $5,000 (B&C)
ESPN, Baseball Square Off (B&C)
Just Call It 'Hazardous Material Train' (WP)
INTERNET
Tech Companies Reap A Bonanza Wiring Schools (WSJ)
Lycos Bid May Be Dead (WP)
NBC, Xoom.com, Snap.com Join Forces (WP)
.us Domain Space (NTIA)
iFilm Streams Screenings (B&C)
FTC Appoints Team To Monitor Advertising Online (CyberTimes)
Hospitals Reaching New Patients Online (NYT)
BROADBAND
Advanced Telecommunications Capability (NTIA)
WIRELESS
Sprint Buys More Wireless Spectrum (B&C)
Wireless Safety -- E911 Act of 1999 (Senate)
TECHNOLOGY
Emerging Technologies in the New Millennium (Senate)
FCC/NTIA
Kennard's No.1 Choice Fills Top Slot (B&C)
NTIA Reauthorization Act of 1999 (House)
MEDIA & SOCIETY
LOOKING AT THE NET FROM A 19TH CENTURY VIEW
Issue: Media & Society
"The Victorian Internet," a new book by British journalist Tom Standage,
argues that the social and business changes brought about by the telegraph
were much deeper that what we are witnessing today -- and at least as
misunderstood. Mr. Standage covers many of the issues we're wrestling with
today -- government control, electronic commerce, privacy, operating
languages, jobs, online romance, international comparisons, information
overload, the effects on old media -- only he's covering th telegraph.
Because of its ability to link distant people, the telegraph, Mr. Standage
adds, "was the first technology to be seized upon as a panacea," hailed as a
means to solve the world's problems and create a new era of peace and global
understanding," making muskets into candlesticks" as a popular slogan quoted
by Mr. Standage suggested then. The "instantaneous highway of thoughts"
(1858) was to "bring all inhabitants of the earth into one intellectual
neighborhood" (1846). "The Internet is today in a kind of telegraphic state
of development -- and the telegraph was replaced by the telephone," said Mr.
Standage. Yet "when the telephone first came along, it was not seen as a
separate, new technology, but rather as one possible application of the
telegraphic technology," Standage added. It was indeed called the "speaking
telegraph." So, perhaps the post-Web technology is just around the corner.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Bruno Giussani (giussani( at )nytimes.com)]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/eurobytes/11euro.html)
CLINTON HOLDS YOUTH VIOLENCE 'SUMMIT'
Issue: Content/Legislation
President Clinton's three-hour "summit" on violence yesterday gave 50 people
the chance to speak and diffused the blame for the school shooting at
Littleton. Reporters were barred from attending. After the meeting, gun maker
lobbyist, Robert A. Ricker, said that guns got lost in the shuffle. Instead,
the focus was on Internet, movies, parental responsibility, domestic violence
and lack of religious faith. Hillary Rodham Clinton said the White House will
undertake a campaign against violence modeled after previous campaigns, such as
reducing teen pregnancy and finding jobs for those on welfare. Pheniece Jones,
a 16-year old attendee from US Kids TV, was not impressed. "It seems like
ordinary stuff that people say all the time," she said. Republican presidential
candidate, Gary L. Bauer, said the session was "conciliatory" with "people
patting themselves on the back." After being criticized for being soft on the
entertainment industry, Clinton did say, "We cannot pretend that there is no
impact on our culture and our children that is adverse if there is too much
violence coming out of what they see and experience." Clinton called for
parents to turn off the TV if they didn't like what was on, monitor what kids
do on the Internet, and not buy products that glorify violence. No mention was
made of the two gun proposals the Senate will take up today. Top officials of
the NRA were annoyed that they weren't invited. Jim Baker, the NRA's chief
lobbyist, said that he doubts if the two proposals -- limiting handgun
purchases to one a month and reinstitution a waiting period -- would have done
anything to prevent what happened in Littleton.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A14), AUTHOR: ]
(http://www.nytimes.com/yr/mo/day/news/washpol/clinton-youth.html)
SPEECH: GIVING VOICE TO THE VOICELESS
Issue: Access/FCC
Chairman Kennard's Speech at the Five Points Media Center Tribute Dinner in
Denver: The power of telecommunications technology has emerged as a driving
force in our economy today. One quarter of the growth of this economy comes
from the communications and information sectors. It's one of the reasons
that we are enjoying the longest peacetime expansion in our Nation's
economic history. It is fundamentally changing our economy. And, more
importantly, it has the power to fundamentally change and improve the lives
of young people....Because I believe that my job is determine how I can best
make this revolution in communications work for all Americans. Not just
those who know how to be heard in Washington. Not just those who have the
resources to hire the lawyers and the lobbyists. But those who would not be
heard, unless I am there to speak for them -- to give a voice to the
voiceless. That is why, like you, I decided to go reach out, to find the
public part of the "public interest." To see firsthand how technology can
and does affect Americas homes, businesses, families, and lives. To put
human faces on the policies that the FCC makes....About 94% of Americans
have telephones in their homes. That percentage is the envy of much of the
rest of the world. But for Native Americans in this country, only about 50%
of homes have phones. And on some of Navajo reservations in Indian country,
less than 20% of people have a telephone....Over 54 million Americans have
some kind of disability. And it is estimated that as many as 15 million
people with disabilities are of working age, want to work, but don't have
the access to the communications tools that are essential to almost any job.
That's why this year we at the FCC are working with people with disabilities
and all segments of the communications industry to write new guidelines to
ensure that people with disabilities get access to technology....Last year,
we invested $1.7 billion to bring the Internet to over 80,000 schools and
libraries across the country. And the e-rate is working. According to a
recent study by Forrester Research, the e-rate has had a significant impact
on bridging the digital divide. This year, it is estimated that
African-American access to the Internet will rise 42 percent, and Hispanic
access will rise 20 percent. The gap is closing. We can close this digital
divide. I am confident that we can.
[SOURCE: FCC]
(http://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/spwek918.html)
OWNERSHIP/COMPETITION
MICROSOFT IS ACQUIRING 4% STAKE IN NEXTEL
Issue: Alliances
Yesterday, Microsoft announced that it will pay $600 million for 4% of a
large national wireless provider, Nextel Communications. As part of the
deal, Microsoft will also help Nextel deliver data services to wireless
phones. According to Microsoft chairman William Gates, the two companies
will be able to deliver the next generation of wireless services to enable
people everywhere to stay in touch with the information they need,
regardless of location." The companies plan to launch a new wireless data
service, using Motorola phones, in six markets later this year. Nextel had
recently abandoned merger talks with MCI Worldcom.
[SOURCE: New York Times (C2), AUTHOR: Seth Schiesel]
(http://wsj.com/)
See also:
MICROSOFT TO BUY A STAKE IN NEXTEL
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E1), AUTHOR: John Schwartz]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/daily/may99/nextel11.htm)
MICROSOFT BUYS INTO CELL PHONES
[SOURCE: San Jose Mercury News, AUTHOR: Miguel Helft]
(http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/indepth/docs/ms051199.htm)
WASHINGTON TO SCRUTINIZE MERGER
Issue: Merger
"The 1996 Telecommunications Act has failed miserably," said Senate Commerce
Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ), reacting to the possibility that
AT&T will acquire MediaOne. Lawmakers are growing increasingly concerned
about the three-year-old law that deregulated many aspects of
telecommunications. "Rather than promoting competition in the industry, the
Act has lead to a flood of megamergers," noted Senator McCain, who has
scheduled a June 17 hearing to examine AT&T's $69 billion proposed
acquisition of MediaOne. The FCC also has plans to scrutinize the deal.
According to the FCC's calculations, AT&T would have the potential to
service nearly 60% of the nations households once the merger is approved --
twice the amount allowed by an ownership cap set in 1993. AT&T disputes that
figure, claiming that it would only reach 38% [60 million households...38
million households...details, details]. There is also concern that the
MediaOne deal will give AT&T too much control of the market for high-speed
data access.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p.15), AUTHOR: Bill McConnell]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)
HEARING ON MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATION IN COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
Issue: Competition/Ownership
Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation, today announced a Full Committee hearing on mergers and
consolidations in the communications industry. The hearing is scheduled for
Thursday, June 17, at 9:30 a.m. in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office
Building. Senator McCain will preside. Witnesses will be announced in
June. "The 1996 Telecommunication Act has failed miserably and has left us
with results that are the exact opposite of what was intended," Sen McCain
said. "Rather than promoting competition in the industry, the Act has led to
a flood of megamergers. This hearing will examine why the Act has promoted
mergers instead of competition, and if legislation is needed to correct
these failures."
[SOURCE: US Senate]
(http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/)
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES BY TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS
Issue: Competition
Thursday, May 13, 1999, 10:00 a.m. in 2322 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection hearing
on Access to Buildings and Facilities by Telecommunications Providers.
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://www.house.gov/commerce/schedule.htm)
CANDIDATES FALLING INTO THE FINALLY OPEN ARMS OF HIGH
TECHNOLOGY
Issue: Campaign Finance
2000 Presidential hopefuls are looking to technology executives for support and
vice versa. Although Governor George Bush has not come near Seattle or Silicon
Valley, tech companies, such as Netscape, Microsoft, Oracle, and Cisco systems
bought an ad in the San Jose Mercury News, calling him "one of the visionary
leaders who understand the New Economy." For Presidential candidates,
technology companies offer not only money, but also the association with an
industry that can be vital to their campaigns. The number of American
households with Internet service has doubled to 44 million since the last
presidential election. High-tech contributions in 1998 congressional
elections totaled $8.1 million -- double the contributions in 1994. For
high-tech executives, who have in the past stayed away from Washington
politics, the advantages of making friends in Washington is made clear by
recent legislation. Technology companies have won a moratorium on taxes for
Internet commerce and special visas for skilled foreign workers. The Federal
case against Microsoft is also a reminder of the power the
Government has to shape the industry. Although Microsoft says it is
bipartisan, the Republican Party has benefited from Microsoft's attempts to
fend of the lawsuit pursued by a Democratic Administration.
[SOURCE: New York Times (A1), AUTHOR: Sam Howe Verhovek]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/biztech/articles/11finance.html)
TELEVISION
ALL THIS FOR $5,000
Issue: Cable
No, this isn't another digital TV story...the recent purchases of cable
systems are driving the value of those systems up to $5,000 per subscriber.
Through cable converters, subscribers will be able to do more than watch TV;
they'll interact with it. The bet of major media players is that these new
services will increase demand enough and lower costs enough to justify the
purchase prices. "The reason people were paying $2,000 per sub is that's the
net present value of $40 in cable revenue a month in perpetuity," said
PaineWebber cable analyst Tom Eagan. "But it isn't just the $40 any longer.
It's also $45 for Internet, and maybe $70-$80 for telephone." In 1998, cable
operators capital spending reached $180-$220 per subscriber (up from
$80-$120 in '95) to upgrade systems to the industry standard 750MHz
capacity. But there's a lot of risk as operators must now rollout new
services using new technology.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 16), AUTHOR: John Higgins]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/cover/index.asp)
ESPN, BASEBALL SQUARE OFF
Issue: Television Economics/Cable
ESPN and Major League Baseball are going to court to decide a disagreement
about the $455 million deal that is supposed to run through 2002. Late in
the '98 season, ESPN decided to switch some Sunday night games to ESPN2, a
sister network that does not have as many viewers. ESPN plans to do the same
this year -- making room for Sunday night football. MLB says the move is a
breach of contract; ESPN is taking MLB to court to enforce the contract
calling the football games "events of significant viewer interest" since
their ratings are four times that of baseball. Meanwhile, industry
executives believe that Fox is waiting in the wings to make MLB a better
deal. Through cable and local broadcasts, baseball fans can watch 300-400
games a year.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 25), AUTHOR: Deborah McAdams]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/cable/cable_article.asp?articleID=69223...)
JUST CALL IT 'HAZARDOUS MATERIAL TRAIN'
Issue: Television
The "Atomic Train" miniseries is getting some last minute reediting from
NBC. An NBC spokeswoman insists the actions have nothing to do with
heightened sensitivities after the Colorado shootings, or the concerns of
nearly every trade group, association and society that has anything to do
with nuclear materials, nuclear weapons or the railway industry -- some of
whom were in contact with NBC executives -- that the movie is grossly
inaccurate and intended to frighten the public out of its collective wits.
The network has yanked its scary it-could-happen on-air promo campaign and
is taking the extraordinary step of running a disclaimer at the beginning of
the miniseries on Sunday night.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (C7), AUTHOR: Lisa de Moraes]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-05/11/077l-051199-idx.html)
INTERNET
TECH COMPANIES REAP A BONANZA WIRING SCHOOLS
Issue: Universal Service/Erate
Schools and libraries around the nation are not the only ones to benefit
from the Federal Communications Commission's program to help wire public
places. Technology and telecommunications companies are reaping the profits
as well. The $1.9 billion "E-rate" program, overseen by the FCC, provides
discounts for needed school districts to build up their communications
infrastructure. Many companies are taking advantage of the E-rate discounts
to offer schools services that they could not previously afford. Some
schools are even willing to spend beyond items that are eligible for
discounts. Video-security systems, computer-linked accounting and management
systems, and cell phones for bus drivers are some of the services that
schools have recently bought with their own funds. Bill Roddrigues, a vice
president for K-12 Education at Dell computers, says that the program has
favorably "influenced spending and buying patterns of our customers." Dell
is also hoping that computer purchases in the schools will influence the
computer purchases of parents at home.
[SOURCE: Wall Street Journal (B1), AUTHOR: Kathly Chen]
(http://wsj.com/)
LYCOS BID MAY BE DEAD
Issue: Merger
Barry Diller's USA Networks will likely abandon its current proposal to buy
Lycos, determining that the deal is virtually impossible to complete. Lycos
is one of the most popular search engines on the Internet. CMGI, an Internet
venture company that is the largest Lycos shareholder with a 20% stake, has
taken a position opposing the merger. The math to get 50% of Lycos
shareholders to approve the deal becomes very difficult with CMGI voting
"no." The deal has become a favorite subject online, engendering hostile
discussion among shareholders angered that their Internet investment has
missed out on the recent boom. Sources close to the transaction said that
Mr. Diller is weighing several other options, including adding cash or
bringing in another media company to help sweeten the offer.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (E1), AUTHOR: Ianthe Jeanne Dugan]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/business/daily/may99/lycos11.htm)
NBC, XOOM.COM, SNAP.COM JOIN FORCES
Issue: Internet
Most of NBC's Internet operations will be spun off as a new, publicly traded
company. The new company, NBC Internet or NBCi, will include the Snap Web
directory and Xoom.com, a direct marketing service. The deal does not
include MSNBC News, the network's 50-50 partnership with Microsoft, but
MSNBC will have prominent placement on the new site. The three partners are
hoping to create a strong, general-interest site by combining the
entertainment appeal and marketing capability of NBC, Web searching from
Snap and expertise in online commerce from Xoom.com. The site will include
material from the network's current Web site, NBC.com, and its
Videoseeker.com video guide service. This deal marks the first time that a
network's main online operation will be a publicly traded company.
[SOURCE: Washington Post (Online), AUTHOR: Seth Sutel (Associated Press)]
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WAPO/19990510/V000496-051099-idx.html)
.US DOMAIN SPACE
Issue: Internet
NTIA has established an open electronic mailing list for public discussions
regarding the future management and administration of the .us domain space.
Participation in the mailing list is open to all members of the public
interested in discussing the issue. To subscribe to the mailing list, send
an electronic mail to (us-list-request( at )ntiant1.ntia.doc.gov) and in the body
of the message type: join us-list. Karen Rose, NTIA/OIA, (202) 482-1866.
For technical inquires, contact (webmaster( at )ntia.doc.gov).
[SOURCE: NTIA]
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/domainname/usrfc/dotuslistfedreg51099.htm)
iFILM STREAMS SCREENINGS
Issue: Movies
A new Internet sit, iFilms, allows you to see the premiere's of independent
films, even if you don't live in New York city or wear only black. The movies
are simultaneously steamed online as they are shown at the Tribeca Film
Center, and archived for two weeks after their debut. Roger Raderman,
founder of iFilm, hopes that the Internet can give young directors exposure
that might help them in seeking cable and theatrical distribution deals.
"It's the most democratic medium in history," he says. The project is
co-sponsored by Microsoft, which lent its Windows Media software for the
film steaming.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p.32), AUTHOR: Richard Tedesco]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)
FTC APPOINTS TEAM TO MONITOR ADVERTISING ONLINE
Issue: Advertising/Internet
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is creating a special unit to monitor
advertising online. Toby Levin, an investigator appointed to the group says
they will focus on unique issues the Internet raises for advertising. The team
will focus on hyperlinks and the blurring between content and advertising, in
making sure marketers do not abandon FTC's requirements of truth and
disclosure. The team will build a lab equipped with the latest hardware and
software to test Internet advertising issues, such as whether hyperlinks
may be misleading.
[SOURCE: CyberTimes, AUTHOR: Jeri Clausing]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/05/cyber/articles/11capital.html)
HOSPITALS REACHING NEW PATIENTS ONLINE
Issue: Health/Internet
Many medical centers are doing more than posting hours on their Web sites. They
are publishing more in-depth health information online -- educating patients as
well as promoting. Dr. D'Alessandro, co-founder of the Virtual Hospital
that publishes digital versions of medical textbooks, says the accessibility of
more medical information has made the relationship between patients and doctors
a collaborative one. Increased medical information in the hands of patients can
be frustrating for some doctors who don't understand the medium. Some hospitals
have initiated training programs to teach health care workers about the Web.
However, the Web should supplement, not replace advice and diagnosis of a
physician, says Dr. Edwards, editor for the Mayo Clinic Web site. The Mayo
Clinic's site features editorials and daily medical news. Each article is
reviewed by three physicians says, Dr. Edwards, the medical editor for the
site.
[SOURCE: New York Times (D7), AUTHOR: Sam Howe Verhovek]
(http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/051199sci-hospitals-online
.html)
BROADBAND
ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY
Issue: Broadband
NTIA filed a letter with the FCC in CC Docket No. 98-147, Deployment of
Wireline Services Offering Advanced Telecommunications Capability. From the
Press Release: The Department of Commerce today urged the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) to issue a ruling that would
encourage local telephone companies to sell advanced speed digital
subscriber line (DSL) services to Internet service providers ISPs at
discounted rates. ISPs could then resell those services to individual users
along with the ISPs' Internet services -- speeding the deployment of
broadband services to residential and business subscribers. "Broadband
technology is something the American consumer is clamoring for," Commerce
Secretary William M. Daley said, "The Department of Commerce supports
initiatives that will diffuse those services more rapidly." The Department
of Commerce, through the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA), urged the FCC to clarify that DSL services sold by
local telephone companies to ISPs are not "retail" services subject to the
resale requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. As a result,
local telephone companies need not make those services available to
competing carriers at a discount from the rates charged to ISPs.
[SOURCE: NTIA]
(http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fccfilings/dslresaleltr5799.htm)
WIRELESS
SPRINT BUYS MORE WIRELESS SPECTRUM
Issue: Wireless
Sprint continues to be aggressive in the wireless feeding frenzy. Paying
about $210 million it has added wireless spectrum in six markets -- San
Francisco/San Jose, San Diego, Seattle, Spokane, WA, Tampa, FL, and
Greenville SC. Its spectrum holdings, however, are in markets that are
considered less attractive than that of MCI WorldCom. Jim Trautman of Bortz
and Co. says, "In a sense, they're already both losers," trying to play
catch-up due to AT&T's recent moves. Sprint and MCI WorldCom are buying the
wireless spectrum as a way of gaining access to consumers and businesses
without having to pay the Baby Bells for access to their networks.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p. 28), AUTHOR: Price Colman]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/)
WIRELESS SAFETY -- E911 ACT OF 1999
Issue: Wireless/Public Safety
Communications Subcommittee hearing to review the current status of safety
and emergency services for wireless telephone users. Members and witnesses
will also discuss the E911 bill introduced by Senators Burns and McCain. The
hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, at 9:30 a.m. in room 253 of the
Russell Senate Office Building. Senator Conrad Burns (R-MT), Chairman of
the Subcommittee, will preside. Witnesses to be announced.
[SOURCE: US Senate]
(http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/press/106-56.htm)
TECHNOLOGY
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Issue: InfoTech
Science, Technology and Space Subcommittee hearing to examine incentives and
barriers created by the federal government in bringing new technologies to
the marketplace. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, at 2:30
p.m. in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building. Senator Bill Frist
(R-TN), Chairman of the Subcommittee, will preside. Tentative witness list:
Dr. Terry Douglas, President, CTI, Incorporated; Dr. Timothy Hammond,
Co-Director, Tulane Environmental Astrobiology Center, Tulane University
Medical Center; Mr. Ralph Hutchinson, President, Scientific Materials
Corporation; Mr. Don Jenkins, President, CTI-SpaceBoard; Dr. Richard
Smalley, Hackerman Professor of Chemistry, Rice University, Smalley
Research; Dr. Helena Wisniewski, Vice President, ANSER.
[SOURCE: US Senate]
(http://www.senate.gov/~commerce/)
FCC/NTIA
KENNARD'S NO.1 CHOICE FILLS TOP SLOT
Issue: Policymakers
A profile of the new Chief of Staff at the FCC, Kathryn Brown. "I identified
her early on as someone who I would like to have as a chief of staff," FCC
Chairman Kennard said. "Kathy has a terrific presence. She can walk into a
room full of people divided over contentious issues and get them working
toward consensus." When she started in October '98, Ms. Brown's priorities
included improving relations with Capitol Hill, speeding up commission
rulings and merger approvals, and increasing contact between the agency's
bureaus. Although relations with the Hill are still thorny, Ms. Brown has
done well connecting with industry. Previously, Ms. Brown was chief of the
FCC's Common Carrier Bureau (for just five months) and was the
Administration's point person for implementation of the Telecom Act of 1996
while at th NTIA.
[SOURCE: Broadcasting&Cable (p.47), AUTHOR: Bill McConnell]
(http://www.broadcastingcable.com/exec/index.asp)
NTIA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999
Issue: Budget Issues
Tuesday, May 11, 1999, 2:00 p.m. in 2123 Rayburn House Office Building
Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection hearing
on the NTIA Reauthorization Act of 1999.
[SOURCE: House of Representatives]
(http://www.house.gov/commerce/schedule.htm)
--------------------------------------------------------------