WASHINGTON-Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings (D-S.C.), ranking member on both the Senate Commerce Committee and the appropriations subcommittee with control over the Federal Communications Commission’s budget, said Monday he would not seek re-election and would retire when his term expires in January 2005.
“With all of this attention, radio, TV, and press, I’m constrained from changing my mind. I want to confirm what you have all suspected, that I will not be opting for re-election this next year,” said Hollings. “I’m still working around the clock for the next year and a half, and of course after that I’ll be looking for a job. But you can see it’s not easy to get one, by the time I go out and work and make a living.”
Hollings was a key player in the telecommunications policy-making circles and a critic of the FCC’s recent pro-deregulatory stance.
“I think that you would be a wonderful executive vice president of the chamber of commerce, but not a chairman of a regulatory commission at the government level. Are you happy with your job?” Hollings asked FCC Chairman Michael Powell last year.
Hollings, 81, has been the senior senator from South Carolina only since last year when the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) retired at the age of 100. He made his announcement at the Hollings National Advocacy Center on the campus of the University of South Carolina.
The Competitive Telecommunications Association (CompTel) lamented Hollings’ retirement. “CompTel is saddened that Sen. Hollings has decided not to run for re-election. Sen. Hollings leaves behind many legacies after serving seven terms in the Senate, including his long-time advocacy of the principles of an open, competitive telecommunications marketplace,” said CompTel President H. Russell Frisby Jr.
On the other hand, the U.S. Telecommunications Association simply acknowledged Hollings’ role in telecom policy.
“Sen. Hollings has had a distinguished career, has been a leading voice on telecommunications issues and has played a significant role in shaping today’s communications marketplace. The telecommunications industry along with the people of South Carolina will miss his passion and commitment to the critical issues facing our nation,” said USTA President Walter McCormick.
The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association expressed similar thoughts. “As a primary author of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Sen. Hollings helped re-write this nation’s communications laws, building the vibrant and competitive wireless market that benefits every American today. His dedication to consumers will be long remembered and is perhaps best embodied by his work on public safety and 911 issues. His vast experience, his extensive knowledge and his quick wit will be missed,” said CTIA President Thomas Wheeler.
