Huge U.S. telecom bill moves to Senate
The massive telecommunications bill passed by the House of Representatives Thursday now moves on to the Senate.
Although the measure breezed through the House on a 321-101 vote, its prospects in the Senate were unclear Friday.
A major provision of the bill is that it makes it easier for major phone companies to offer cable television service; however, the New York Times said the cable industry and smaller telcos have stronger support in the Senate. At the same time, Senate rules make it easier for a small contingent of lawmakers to thwart legislation.
The White House has publicly declared its support for the House bill, and The Times noted that virtually every lobbying firm on K Street has been enlisted to cajole senators by the telecom, cable and high-tech industries.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International