Reax: House Subcommittee Shuffle
The tech and telecom policy community was abuzz Thursday (in D.C. and at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas) over the news that Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., will take over the Energy and Commerce Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee and Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., will head the panel's Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee. The lawmakers (both known for their tech prowess) basically swapped seats.
Some reactions from my email inbox:
National Cable and Telecommunications Association President Kyle McSlarrow said his group looks forward to working with Boucher "as he pursues the important goals of expanding broadband deployment and adoption and completing a successful DTV transition."
U.S. Telecom Association President Walter McCormick said Boucher's "vast experience with communication issues, in particular those affecting rural America, will serve him well in his new role." "Broadband investment can make an essential contribution to our nation--from job creation to economic development to advancing health care, education, the environment and other key priorities," he said.
COMPTEL President Matthew Salmon said Boucher "has been a longstanding advocate for policies that promote competition and innovation in the communications marketplace, and his efforts to increase the deployment of broadband in the U.S. and to improve regulatory processes at the FCC have been hailed by both sides of the aisle."
The National Association of Broadcasters released a statement saying the group has "enormous respect" for both Boucher and Markey and wished them success in their new roles. "We look forward to working with both Mr. Boucher and Mr. Markey in the new Congress, and in continuing to make the case that the news, entertainment and emergency lifeline services provided by free and local broadcasting are worth preserving."
Sprint Nextel issued a statement saying Markey "is leaving big shoes to fill" on the telecommunications panel but Boucher will be more than able to fill them. Boucher understands the important role that telecom companies can play in creating jobs and building a broadband economy which benefits all parts of the country.
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