The letter specifically urges rejection of the Hollings amendment to HR 4690, the FY01 Commerce-State-Justice Appropriations bill that would prevent the FCC from expending funds to grant or transfer a license to a company that is more than 25 percent owned or controlled - either directly or indirectly - by a foreign government. The Hollings language would effectively block the proposed merger.

“First of all, this provision would have a negative impact on American consumers by limiting telecommunications choices and competition,” said Smith. “Second, I am concerned that this provision would violate the WTO Basic Telecommunications Agreement, which has been a key to making the wireless marketplace so vibrant. Finally, the Hollings provision interferes with the rigorous review process that is already underway by the FCC, the FBI, the Justice Department, and the Department of Defense.”

Smith’s letter is also signed by New Democrat leaders on technology and telecommunications issues: Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Jay Inslee (D-WA), Cal Dooley (D-CA), Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), Karen McCarthy (D-MO), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Norm Dicks (D-WA), Robert Matsui (D-CA), and Jim Moran (D-VA).