Together, communications and information services comprise one-sixth of our national economy. Revenues in the communications industry alone grew 43 percent between 1990 and 1996. I feel a great sense of responsibility because Congress has entrusted my colleagues and me with the duty to continue the implementation of the sweeping reforms adopted in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 in such a way as to foster a robust and competitive communications marketplace, while strengthening our commitment to the historical concept of universal service. Senators Burns and Stevens, rest assured that I will work with you as hard as I can to make the promises of that law a reality for the citizens of Alaska. I also feel a sense of responsibility because tremendous new technological changes will revolutionize the way all Americans live, work, play, and learn, and because of the power of advancing telecommunications technology must be directed toward enriching the lives of residents of rural areas of our nation.
Government can be an enabler and a catalyst for positive change, or it can be an obstacle.
We can choose to tap the power of technological change to forge a stronger society, reinforce our core values, and create economic opportunities for all Americans. Or we can let this golden opportunity slip by. We can create competitive markets that will drive our entrepreneurs to lead the world, or we can abide large, cumbersome monopolies. I believe we can meet these challenges. I believe we can create competitive markets that will drive our entrepreneurs to lead the world.