Press Releases
Lee, Klobuchar Call For Review of Proposed Charter, Time Warner, Bright House Merger
Feb 18, 2016
WASHINGTON—On Wednesday, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Chairman of the FCC Tom Wheeler, requesting a close review of Charter Communications’ proposed acquisition of Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks.
“We are on the threshold of a dramatic transformation of the way consumers obtain video content that should increase competition and benefit American consumers,” the letter states.
“American consumers will benefit if we cross this threshold to increased competition, and we believe that your agencies play a role in making sure that transformation occurs. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Antitrust Subcommittee, we have carefully examined consolidation in these industries to ensure that existing market leaders to not block or co-opt new options for receiving video content or exercise disproportionate control over the video content market.”
The Senators note concern that the merged companies and comcast would control 70 to 90 percent of the broadband internet connections to American homes, which could hinder the ability of online video distributors to offer a viable alternative to cable services. Regional cable companies could also find it difficult to compete. Additionally, they cite that maintaining a robust marketplace of ideas, news, and entertainment relies in part on the viability of independent programmers, who could end up being discriminated against if the merged companies are able to pay less for content.”
The full letter is available here.
“We are on the threshold of a dramatic transformation of the way consumers obtain video content that should increase competition and benefit American consumers,” the letter states.
“American consumers will benefit if we cross this threshold to increased competition, and we believe that your agencies play a role in making sure that transformation occurs. As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Antitrust Subcommittee, we have carefully examined consolidation in these industries to ensure that existing market leaders to not block or co-opt new options for receiving video content or exercise disproportionate control over the video content market.”
The Senators note concern that the merged companies and comcast would control 70 to 90 percent of the broadband internet connections to American homes, which could hinder the ability of online video distributors to offer a viable alternative to cable services. Regional cable companies could also find it difficult to compete. Additionally, they cite that maintaining a robust marketplace of ideas, news, and entertainment relies in part on the viability of independent programmers, who could end up being discriminated against if the merged companies are able to pay less for content.”
The full letter is available here.
Lee Applauds Gov. Herbert’s Sage Grouse Law Suit
Feb 4, 2016
WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Thursday, after Utah Gov. Gary Herbert announced he is suing Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to stop Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service implementation of their sage grouse management plan.
“I commend Gov. Herbert’s decision to fight the Obama administration’s efforts to control federal land in Utah from Washington, DC,” Lee said. “Western states have a well-established and exemplarily record of implementing their own sage grouse conservation plans and there is zero need for other federal agencies to get involved.”
“I commend Gov. Herbert’s decision to fight the Obama administration’s efforts to control federal land in Utah from Washington, DC,” Lee said. “Western states have a well-established and exemplarily record of implementing their own sage grouse conservation plans and there is zero need for other federal agencies to get involved.”
Lee, Grassley, Law Enforcement Officials to Hold Forum on Criminal Justice Reform
Feb 3, 2016
WASHINGTON—On Tuesday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. EST, Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will join members of law enforcement to discuss their perspectives on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015. The briefing follows a pair of letters Republican leaders circulated to colleagues. In the letters, more than 130 law enforcement leaders urged Congress to pass the measure because federal sentencing reform will reduce both crime and unnecessary incarceration.
Who
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Hon. Michael B. Mukasey, Former Attorney General of the United States for President George W. Bush
Ronal Serpas, Chairman, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration Former Police Superintendent, New Orleans, Louisiana
William McManus, Police Chief, San Antonio, Texas
Richard J. Pocker, Former U.S. Attorney, District of Nevada
Where
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 224
When
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST
Who
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Hon. Michael B. Mukasey, Former Attorney General of the United States for President George W. Bush
Ronal Serpas, Chairman, Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration Former Police Superintendent, New Orleans, Louisiana
William McManus, Police Chief, San Antonio, Texas
Richard J. Pocker, Former U.S. Attorney, District of Nevada
Where
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 224
When
Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST
Bicameral Conservative Group To Launch Article One Project at Kirby Center
Jan 28, 2016
“If conservatives want to reform federal policy, we first have to reform the way policy gets made. The Constitution gives Congress the power to make the laws, but for too long Congress has either shirked its legislative responsibilities or delegated them to the Executive branch. It’s time that Congress reclaim its rightful Article I lawmaking powers,” Lee said.
