NEWS RELEASE
Committee on Energy and Commerce Democrats
Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member

Dingell Comments on McDowell
Announcement to Abstain

The following is a statement by Representative John D. Dingell, Ranking Member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, in response to the announcement today by FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell to abstain from participating in the Commission’s review of the AT&T/BellSouth merger:

“I applaud Commissioner McDowell for adhering to high ethical standards in this matter. In disqualifying himself, Commissioner McDowell has shown that he is a true public servant and a man of principle.

“With the closing of this ungainly sideshow, the Commission can get on with the proper performance of its duties. Now more than ever, the four remaining commissioners have a responsibility to analyze the transaction carefully, fairly and openly, and in a way that avoids imposing burdens that have nothing to do with the transaction. The continued recusal of Commissioner McDowell should not be viewed as an opportunity for individual commissioners to extract carte blanche from the merging parties.

“It is in the interest of the public and, in particular, the companies’ workers that this matter is brought to a fair and timely resolution.”

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