What Lawmakers Are Saying:

House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.)

"This proposed merger between the country’s oldest broadcast network and its largest cable operator would create a global entertainment company combining content creation and distribution at an unprecedented scale. A merger of this magnitude involves a complex regulatory process and heavy public scrutiny. The Committee will consider the benefits of potential advances in content delivery and the impact on consumers."

http://www.politico.com/blogs/glennthrush/1209/Conyers_calls_for_ComcastNBC_hearings.html

House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) wants hearings on Comcast-NBCU "at the earliest practicable date."

"The proposed Comcast-NBC Universal joint venture agreement has the potential to reshape the media marketplace," he said in a statement. "This proposal raises questions regarding diversity, competition, and the future of the production and distribution of video content across broadcasting, cable, online, and mobile platforms. It is imperative that the FCC, the Justice Department, and the FTC rigorously assess whether this transaction is in the public interest."

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/407989-Comcast_NBCU_Waxman_Calls_For_Hearings.php

Senate Communications Subcommittee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) said his subcommittee will keep a close watch on a Comcast-NBCU deal as well.

"The Comcast-NBC deal announced is extremely significant in scope and raises some complex questions that I fully expect Obama administration officials will consider carefully. My subcommittee will monitor that process closely to ensure that any legitimate anticompetitive and public interest concerns are fully addressed."

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/407989-Comcast_NBCU_Waxman_Calls_For_Hearings.php

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.):

"I have some serious questions about the deal announced for Comcast to assume control of NBC Universal," said Rockefeller. "A joint venture of this magnitude would benefit from regulatory oversight. When major media companies swell to control both content and distribution, we need to make sure consumers are not left with lesser content and higher rates."

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/407989-Comcast_NBCU_Waxman_Calls_For_Hearings.php

FCC Commissioner Michael Copps:

“Some may have thought the era of media consolidation—fewer huge companies controlling more of the nation’s media assets—was behind us. This transaction proves those analysts wrong. The push to combine content and distribution continues and, as the economy recovers, we will see more proposed media industry combinations. While I look at each proposed transaction on its individual merits, my long-standing skepticism about the harms imposed by so few controlling so much persists."

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-294980A1.pdf

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.), chairman of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee:

“Antitrust regulators must ensure that all content providers are treated fairly on the Comcast platform, and that Comcast does not get undue advantages in gaining access to programming. We plan a public hearing so that consumers can get a better sense of how this deal could affect their access to diverse programming and information, especially as they more often look to the Internet for such services. It’s critical that we preserve robust competition and promote innovative and emerging program delivery in this rapidly changing market.”

http://kohl.senate.gov/newsroom/pressrelease.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1464=3247