Barton Predicts Passage Of Narrow Telecom Bill

BARTON PREDICTS PASSAGE OF NARROW TELECOM BILL
[SOURCE: Technology Daily 7/20, AUTHOR: Heather Greenfield]
House Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) told technology industry leaders that Congress can get a telecommunications bill done, but he predicted that lawmakers will produce a narrow bill. Pending Senate legislation is much broader than what the House passed. It includes provisions to strengthen and revamp the universal service program, which is aimed at ensuring that all Americans, particularly those in rural areas, have access to affordable telephone service. Speaking at the annual legislative strategy meeting of the Electronic Industries Alliance, Barton said he believes Senate Commerce Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) will muster the votes needed for floor passage. "Stevens doesn't yet have the 60 votes" needed to limit debate on the legislation, Rep Barton said, noting why the bill has yet to be passed. "When we get to conference, we will have some differences because the House (version) is a narrower bill," Rep Barton said. One key difference that would require a compromise is universal service, which the House bill does not address at all. Universal service "was a great idea 100 years ago. It is not a good idea today," Rep Barton said. "I understand the political necessity in the Senate. We'll have to have a meeting of the minds on that." One area where both Barton and Stevens do agree is network neutrality: They oppose it. Barton told reporters "net regulation is dead." He said instead of making a law against discrimination, the FCC will be asked to monitor discrimination complaints. "That may not be perfect, but until we have more of a track record, that seems to be more of a middle-ground approach," Rep Barton said.
http://www.njtelecomupdate.com/lenya/telco/live/tb-OYUK1153768152185.html