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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release October 29, 1997

STATEMENT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
ON NEW FCC COMMISSIONERS

I am pleased that the Senate today approved William Kennard to be the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Mr. Kennard will become the FCC's first African-American chairman. He is superbly qualified, having served as FCC general counsel, and has earned the respect and admiration of all who have had the opportunity to work with him. I am confident that he will make an outstanding chairman.

The Senate's action today, combined with their decision on Tuesday to confirm Gloria Tristani, Michael Powell, and Harold Furchtgott-Roth as FCC commissioners, opens a new era at the FCC. These new members, along with current member Susan Ness, will form a commission that will move us into the information age and the 21st century.

I commend the Senate on its overwhelming approval of these new FCC commissioners. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Reed Hundt and the other departing commissioners for their great service to the public. They have set a high standard for this new FCC.