Michael K. Powell, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said consumer welfare and market economics can coexist. But Powell, speaking to the Federal Communications Bar Association, conceded the marketplace does not address all concerns, especially those involving individuals with disabilities.
President Bush nominated Jeffrey Runge to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Runge, a North Carolina physician with expertise in motor vehicle injury care and prevention, would oversee a driver distraction problem that is becoming a major issue for states, federal regulators and the mobile-phone industry.
The White House appointed John Henshaw to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If confirmed, Henshaw, currently director of environment, safety and health for Astaris L.L.C. in St. Louis, would be responsible for tower safety. OSHA last year said injuries and deaths from tower accidents are increasing.
The House Judiciary Committee last week held a hearing and marked up legislation that would give the FBI and the U.S. Customs Service the authority to wiretap suspected sex predators and child pornographers. The existing law would be expanded to add three new categories of crimes to the federal list of suspected offenses, which justify electronic surveillance. These categories could include sexual crimes that are considered misdemeanors thus raising the objections of the American Civil Liberties Union. A similar bill passed the House last Congress but was not considered by the Senate.
The Senate confirmed Charles James as chief of the Justice Department’s antitrust division. James is expected to pursue a hands-off antitrust policy in reviewing telecommunications mergers.
Compiled from various news sources.
