With 500,000 jobs and $2 trillion in market valuation lost in the telecom bust, it's natural that the hunt for scapegoats is nearly as fierce as the search for solutions. That's why Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell is under rising pressure to move fast. Indeed, Powell is close to acting on the agenda he sketched when he took the job last year. His idea is to cut back regulations by the end of the year on established local phone companies, mainly the former Bells. This could give them a clearer path to profits, he says, and spur a much-needed investment binge. To Capitol Hill Republicans worried about midterm elections, delay could cost votes back home. "I consider him a close friend, but deregulation can't wait," says House Commerce Committee Chairman W. J. "Billy" Tauzin (R-La.).
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机译：在电信泡沫破裂中损失了50万个工作岗位和2万亿美元的市场价值，自然而然地，寻找替罪羊与寻求解决方案一样猛烈。这就是为什么联邦通信委员会主席迈克尔·鲍威尔（Michael K. Powell）面临越来越大的压力，要求迅速采取行动。确实，鲍威尔（Powell）即将按照他去年上任时草拟的议程行事。他的想法是在年底之前削减对已建立的本地电话公司（主要是前贝尔公司）的法规。他说，这可以为他们提供一条更清晰的获利途径，并刺激急需的投资狂潮。对于国会山共和党人担心的中期选举，拖延选举可能会使选民回国。众议院商务委员会主席W. J.“比利”陶金（R-La。）说：“我认为他是密友，但放松管制迫不及待。”
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