The US Senate has begun a debate on a sweeping plan that will overhaul the nation's communications laws for the first time in 61 years.
The proposal, introduced in February by Larry Pressler, would let local phone companies, long distance phone companies, and cable television firms begin competing against each other to offer a full range of communications and entertainment services.
It would also ease a host of broadcasting and foreign-ownership laws and lift most limits on the prices cable companies can charge subscribers.
'I think this is probably the most important bill we've considered all year,' Senate majority leader Bob Dole said when lawmakers began debating the plan.
'Competition, not regulation, has the best record in creating new jobs, spurring new innovation and creating new wealth.' 'My understanding is there's a lot of bipartisan support,' he said. 'We ought to be able to complete it fairly quickly.' Discussion about the plan is expected to be intense, with lawmakers proposing at least two dozen amendments.
Senate approval of the bill would come even in the face of opposition from President Bill Clinton, who has said that Mr Pressler's plan would lead to higher phone and cable prices. The White House has released a statement saying it 'strongly opposes' the plan.
A few amendments could be so controversial they could endanger the bill's fate on the Senate floor.