September 28, 1999

Gentlemen:

As Conferees begin consideration of the bill making FY 2000 appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, State, the Judiciary, and related agencies ("CJSJ"), we want to let you know of our strong opposition to Section 618 of S. 1217.

Section 618 of the Senate bill would have extraordinary ramifications for all telecommunications companies that have been issued radio licenses by the Federal Communications Commission pursuant to Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934. The provision targets these companies specifically by stripping away important rights that are available to all other American companies under the Bankruptcy Code. Worse, it would do so retroactively.

Moreover, the provision represents a radical departure from both current telecommunications and bankruptcy policy, yet it has never been considered by the respective legislative committees.

For these reasons, we strongly urge you to defend the House position in conference by rejecting the Senate provision.

Sincerely,