TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Current Reform Bills Risk Veto, Says Gore: Vice President Al Gore urged Congress to build stronger consumer protections into legislation that would make wide-sweeping changes in telecommunications laws. He characterized the bills passed by the House and Senate earlier as products of “the highest bidders, not the highest principles.” Supporters say the legislation maximizes competition, which they contend will expand service and lower prices to consumers. President Clinton has threatened to veto reform, saying the bills, especially the House’s, would place media in the hands of too few companies and permit the Baby Bells to keep competitors out of the local phone business. The Senate passed a bill in June and the House in August, both by wide margins. A conference to reconcile the bills may take place later this month.