Sen. Lott (R-Miss.), in stepping down as Senate Majority Leader F...

Sen. Lott (R-Miss.), in stepping down as Senate Majority Leader Fri., gave no word on whether he would take position in Senate Commerce Committee. Lott has slight seniority edge over expected Communications Subcommittee Chmn. Burns (R- Mont.) and more seniority over Technology Subcommittee Chmn. Allen (R-Va.). Speculation was that Sen. Frist (R-Tenn.) would become Majority Leader. Frist has little record on high-tech and telecom issues, but did make statement in support of CLECs in June 20, 2001. He argued against making fundamental changes in Telecom Act of 1996, saying they would “destabilize the already shaky competitive local exchange industry, depriving consumers of even the prospects for meaningful choice.” Frist described plight of competitive carriers struggling in Tenn., including Covad, DSL.net and Rhythms. “In all, competitive local carriers dismissed over 6,500 employees nationwide in the last year while attempting to remain in business. Tennessee is among the hardest hit states,” he said, and 5 CLECs with major operations in Tenn. had gone bankrupt. “In this uncertain financial climate, it is imperative that we maintain a stable regulatory framework,” Frist said. “Without a supportive regulatory environment, there will be no more capital flowing to new entrants in the local telecommunications market spurring competition and lower consumer prices. This was not the promise of the Telecommunications Act I voted for in 1996.” Frist’s record is nearly silent on other high-tech issues. He declined to co-sponsor any broadband bills, not even S-88 by Sen. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), rural broadband subsidy bill that had 65 co-sponsors. He introduced 2 tech-related bills, neither of which went anywhere. S-461 would have had Dept. of Education issue grants for teacher training in math, science and technology. S-722 would have amended Communications Act to prohibit telemarketers from interfering with or evading consumer caller-ID systems. He co-sponsored S-515, by Sen. Domenici (R-N.M.), to make permanent R&D tax credit.