STATEMENT OF 
                         COMMISSIONER SUSAN NESS
                                    
                                    
                                                            Released:  August 17, 1995


Re:  FCC Restructuring 

The Commission is faced with tough challenges ahead as it prepares to do more with less. 
Over the past two years, we have moved to modernize to enable us to deliver the highest
quality of service to the American public with fewer resources.  We will be taking further
steps to use communications technology to accomplish our mission in a rapidly changing
environment.

It is apparent that Congress is headed toward a FY 96 appropriations level for the FCC that
will severely test this agency's ability to carry out its modernization efforts.  Without taking
measured steps to plan for the future today, we will most assuredly be faced with tougher,
more crisis-driven choices tomorrow. 
  
In announcing his plan, the Chairman is taking bold and responsible steps to restructure the
Commission in a manner which, in his assessment, best enables us to fulfill our mission with
the least amount of disruption to our FCC family.  I recognize that this was not a decision
that he made lightly.  By initiating a restructuring at the beginning of the fiscal year, he
hopes to afford those adversely affected with adequate opportunity to make other plans. 

I have not had the opportunity to fully assess the Chairman's proposal.  As I do, I will work
with the Chairman and my fellow Commissioners to ensure that we dedicate sufficient
personnel and resources to carry out this agency's core responsibilities.

Reinventing government is never over.  It is a constant process of readjusting to new
demands, new realities, and new tools made available by new technologies.  I support a
comprehensive evaluation of our functions, to identify areas that can be trimmed or
eliminated.  

The success of any such reorganization, however, depends upon the quality and commitment
of the agency's staff.  We at the FCC are privileged to have the finest and most dedicated
public servants in the federal government.  We must work together to fashion solutions that
best meet our future priorities.