Senate Committee Passes Pro-Consumer Legislation

Senate Committee Passes Pro-Consumer Legislation

National Grange Expresses Gratitude to Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee for Passage of Pro-Consumer Telecom Legislation

WASHINGTON, June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Grange extends its appreciation to the Senate Commerce Committee for passing, with an overwhelming 15-7 vote, the Communications, Consumer's Choice and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006. The legislation is designed to encourage competition in the cable market, a move hailed by consumer advocates as an important step in controlling high cable prices and improving customer service. It not only will bring choice in video services and the incentive for more rapid deployment of broadband to rural communities -- the committee also persevered in preserving rural-related programs.

"People who live in rural communities often depend heavily on television for access to news and entertainment," commented Leroy Watson, legislative director for the organization. "Allowing new competitors to more easily enter the market will increase access to cable services, as well as triggering improvements in program offerings and customer service."

"The National Grange sees improvements in rural access to high-speed broadband Internet service as another beneficial aspect of S. 2686's passage," continued Watson. "New cable competitors are intent on expanding Internet service along with cable television and that will be a big plus for America's rural communities."

"New broadband tools with applications in business, education, healthcare and entertainment are emerging almost daily. Giving rural residents equal access to them will greatly enhance the quality of life and economic viability of rural America. It is important to also highlight the committee's rejection of network neutrality provisions -- a dangerous slippery slope that will only stifle the deployment of broadband to rural communities."

The National Grange congratulates the committee for its leadership. We now call on the leadership of the U.S. Senate to bring this legislation to the floor for full Senate consideration without any delay. "The longer we have to wait for the full Senate to vote on this important legislation, the more rural America loses. This legislation needs to be voted on by the full Senate sooner rather than later," concluded Leroy.

Source: The National Grange

CONTACT: Leroy Watson of The National Grange, +1-202-628-3507

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