The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“MORE JOBS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E592-E593 on March 25, 1999.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
MORE JOBS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
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HON. DAVID E. BONIOR
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 25, 1999
Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the Department of Justice and SBC Communications for reaching an agreement which resolves the Department's antitrust concerns about SBC's pending merger with Ameritech. This agreement brings consumers one step closer to more options, lower prices and more substantial jobs in the telecommunications industry. The intent of the 1996 Telecommunications Act was to bring more competition to the telecommunications industry and this merger would be a good step towards a more competitive marketplace.
I commend SBC and Ameritech for their commitment to American workers. This proposed merger has the support of the AFL-CIO, the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. SBC and Ameritech have committed to these labor unions that this merger will increase, not decrease, the number of good jobs in the telecommunications industry. SBC has already proven itself. Despite some critics' concerns, since SBC merged with Pacific Telesis, residential and business prices for basic local service in California have remained stable. In the meantime, SBC has also introduced new products and services and has created more than 2000 new jobs.
Mr. Speaker, I urge the FCC to move quickly in approving this merger and to enforce the Congressional intent of the 1996 Telecommunications Act to lower prices, provide more choices for consumers and create new jobs in the industry.
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