KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Congressman Billy Tauzin

Congressman Billy Tauzin, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade and Consumer Protection, will offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities emerging technologies provide regulators during his keynote address. His subcommittee has jurisdiction over such vitally important areas as the Internet and electronic commerce, and sets national policy for America's broadcasters, telephone companies, cable TV and the emerging satellite industry.

Born on the bayou in Chackbay, Louisiana, Tauzin is an intriguing blend of charm and wit. As Media Week's Alicia Mundy recently wrote: "Tauzin's smile and good ole boy demeanor are political tools he uses as a front for what is one of the sharpest minds in Congress. That may be one reason why this quotable Republican has suddenly become one of the most powerful people involved with the telecommunications industry."

First elected to Congress 20 years ago, Tauzin was a key architect of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and has championed several other consumer-friendly bills pertaining to satellite TV and 911 emergency service. Tauzin has also led the fight to improve the television ratings system in America, giving parents more information to determine the appropriateness of television programming viewed by their children. In addition, he served as co-chairman of Net Day, a nationwide voluntary initiative to hook up school and libraries to the Internet.

Events taking place in the United States Congress have a tremendous impact on telecommunications throughout the world. Tauzin's keen mind and his understanding of the technologies behind the industries over which his subcommittee has jurisdiction enable him to offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities merging technologies provide regulators.