New Commerce Members Have Some Telecom Background

Harman had reservations in voting for the Markey amendment, saying: “It is not absolutely clear this language is needed now, [but] my vote sends the message that the Internet must remain fair and open to all.” She voted for the Barton franchise bill. Harman introduced legislation that would have expedited and increased the amount of spectrum for public safety use. She also played an active role as a member of the House Intelligence Committee pressing for legislation to codify that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is the appropriate is the exclusive means for conducting domestic surveillance.

The entertainment and telecom industries were Harman’s 6th and 8th largest supporters in her 2006 campaign, with contributions of $25,150 and $20,300, respectively, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Harman is the most senior of the 8 new members on the House Commerce Committee, with 7 terms. The Commerce and Judiciary committees are considered plum assignments rarely given to newly elected members. New Commerce Committee members include Democratic Reps. Weiner (N.Y.), Matheson (Utah), Hooley (Ore.), Butterfield (N.C.), Melancon (La.), Boswell (Ia.) and returning Rep. Baron Hill (Ind.), the only newly-elected member.

Weiner, who’s served 4 terms, coordinated a state lobbying effort against the FCC’s cable franchise rule last month, arguing it would strip N.Y. of its authority to regulate. Weiner also sponsored bills that would have required the FCC to monitor complaints about the quality of wireless service and nudge the FCC to take steps to increase local programming. He also sponsored a bill that would have required wireless providers to give access to a universal emergency phone number in underground areas within their areas of coverage. During his campaign, Weiner received $11,000 from the entertainment industry -- his 3rd-largest industry supporter.

Matheson introduced a bill last Congress to curb child pornography on the Internet and a measure that would require ratings for violence on video games. He’s served 3 terms, and operates a monthly cable show that he uses to keep in touch with his rural constituents. The computer/Internet industry was 7th among top industries supporting Matheson’s 2006 campaign, giving him $48,800, and NCTA gave $10,000, according to CRP.

Hooley brings an interest in policing ID theft to the Commerce Committee. The 5-term congresswoman sponsored legislation last Congress that would criminalize Internet scams that involve the fraudulent collection of personal information, or phishing. She’s devoted a section of her website to educating the public on the practice. NCTA contributed $10,000 to Hooley’s 2006 campaign, CRP reported. NCTA contributed $5,000 to Boswell, a 5-term congressman who introduced a bill that would criminalize the fraudulent transfer or sale of telephone records.

NCTA contributed $15,000 to Melancon, a 3-term lawmaker with no background in telecom issues. But he said in his press release announcing the committee appointment that he plans to work on “developing telecom infrastructure, especially in rural communities.” Hill, co-chmn. of the Blue Dog Democrats in 2003, returns to the House after sitting out a term -- he was defeated in a Senate race against Dan Coats. He’s served 3 terms and received $10,000 from AT&T during his campaign and $60,000 from the Communications Workers of America, CRP said.

The House Judiciary Committee gains one member -- Rep. Cohen (Tenn.) who sought the Judiciary Committee appointment. He was on the state senate’s judiciary committee for 20 years and received no significant telecom industry funding during his campaign.

Senate Committees

The Senate Commerce Committee gains 3 Democrats to replace Sens. Nelson (D-Neb.), Allen (R-Va.) and Burns (R- Mont.). Sen. McCaskill (Mo.), a former prosecutor and auditor, received $66,000 from the entertainment industry and $10,000 from the Communications Workers of America during her campaign, CRP said. She and Sen. Klobuchar (Minn.) are newcomers to the committee, somewhat unusual for newly elected senators. Klobuchar also was a prosecutor and received $73,398 from the entertainment industry during her campaign and $11,000 from Viacom, according to CRP.

Incumbent Sen. Carper (Del.), who was elected to a 2nd term, introduced bills last Congress to protect children from Internet pornography and set up a nationwide interoperable health technology system. He also co-sponsored Sen. Feinstein’s (D-Cal.) bill declaring that FISA is the exclusive means for domestic surveillance. Carper received no significant funding from the telecom industry.

The Senate Judiciary Committee gains 2 members to reflect the Democratic majority. Sen. Whitehouse (R.I.), a newcomer, received $58,700 from the entertainment industry, CRP said, while incumbent Rep. Cardin, who won election to the Senate, received $36,400 from entertainment. Cardin (Md.) co-sponsored legislation in the last Congress that would have ensured the availability of spectrum for amateur radio operators; an anti- pretexting bill and a bill sponsored by Rep. Harman saying FISA is the exclusive means by which domestic surveillance may be conducted.