Statement
of IBEW President Edwin D. Hill
On Bush Administration's Decision Not to Appeal
Telecom Case to Supreme Court
The Bush Administration's reversal of its previous
legal defense of the Federal Communications Commissions rules governing
competition for local telephone service is a blow to workers and consumers
who have seen these policies promote job increases, infrastructure
investment and competitive pricing in an industry vital to Americas
economic growth. We are disappointed but not surprised that
the administration would fail to support one of its own agencies by
refusing carrying the fight to uphold these rules to the highest court
in the land. While the administrations failure to take a principled
stand may benefit some of its corporate backers, it is a bitter defeat
for the public interest.