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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

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ATR Urges FCC to Move Quickly to Approve XM/Sirius Merger
Opposes conditions imposed by FCC but supports moving forward

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans for Tax Reform sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission urging them to move quickly and approve the pending merger between XM and Sirius satellite radio companies.  While the FCC has imposed certain extra conditions over and above the significant compromises the two companies had already agreed to, they agreed to the new conditions, too.  The time has come to move forward with this merger and allow the two companies to implement their new business model to the benefit of their customers.

“XM and Sirius have been waiting for approval of this merger for over a year, the time has come to allow them to move forward,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform.  “While allowing the companies to merge without requirements imposed upon it by the FCC would be the best outcome, they both are willing to accept the new terms to finally put this deal behind them and that’s exactly what they should be allowed to do, there’s no point in throwing out the baby with the bathwater.  The free-market was interfered with in this case, unfortunately, but consumers will still benefit from stronger competition in the audio market and a better products from which to choose when this merger is finalized."

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.