Media Contact: Heather Wong, 202.225.3072

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today issued the following statement in reaction to U.S. Solicitor General Theodore Olson’s decision not to appeal to the Supreme Court a lower court decision overturning FCC rules that would require regional Bell companies to lease their networks to competitors:

"Once again, the Bush Administration has decided to side with the haves over the have-nots. Today's decision to ignore a majority of the Federal Communications Commission and back the Bell monopolies will not bring long-term stability or competition to the telecommunications market. It will only lead to fewer choices and higher phone bills for those that are already struggling to make ends meet. I am extremely disappointed, but unfortunately not surprised, that the President chose to turn his back on consumers to help a few big corporate donors."