WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The following statement may be attributed to U.S. Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Ranking Democrat, House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, regarding response from the FCC General Counsel to questions concerning the ‘un-recusal’ of FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell:

“Nothing in the General Counsel’s response surmounts the ethical hurdle placed before the Commission by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics Robert I. Cusick, who indicated to the FCC that if the decision were up to him, he would not authorize Commissioner McDowell’s participation in the AT&T-BellSouth merger proceeding.  Instead, the FCC General Counsel’s response highlights that there is no direct or persuasive precedent for ‘un-recusing’ Commissioner McDowell.  I trust that Commissioner McDowell will find the FCC General Counsel’s weak legal arguments, and even weaker rationale for a compelling government interest, of little comfort when deciding whether to abandon the ethical high ground upon which he currently stands.”

Attached correspondences can be found here:

Dingell-Markey response 12-11-06.pdf 

tab a.pdf 

tab d.pdf 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2006

CONTACT: Israel Klein
202.225.2836