MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1999
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
PIA PIALORSI (202)224-2670
NANCY IVES (202)224-7130

McCAIN STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING REGARDING LOCAL PHONE MARKET

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today made the following statement on today's Supreme Court decision that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the authority to set pricing rules for new entrants in the local phone market:

"Today's decision underscores the Telecom Act's ambiguity that has led to biased rulings by the FCC. It also draws attention to the FCC's sweeping powers which must be carefully used. Recognizing that fact as confirmed by the Court, together with the complete and total failure of the law to bring about competition, makes it extremely important for the Congress to reexamine the Telecom Act of 1996 as we reauthorize the FCC."

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