FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          AT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1997                          (202) 616-2771
                                               TDD (202) 514-1888

 STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JANET RENO AND ASSISTANT ATTORNEY
      GENERAL JOEL I. KLEIN ON THE PRESIDENT'S NOMINATION OF
              MICHAEL K. POWELL AS FCC COMMISSIONER


     WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Attorney General Janet Reno issued the
following statement today after President Clinton announced his
nomination of Michael K. Powell, current Chief of Staff in the
Department's Antitrust Division, as a Commissioner of the Federal
Communications Commission:

     "Mike's organizational skills and leadership have made a
difference.   He will be sorely missed at the Department, but I
am delighted that he will continue his outstanding career in
public service."

     Joel I. Klein, Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust
Division, issued the following statement:

     "I have known Mike ever since he was one of my law students,
and I find him to be a man of unimpeachable integrity, wide-
ranging talent and remarkably mature judgment.  While it pains me
personally to see him move to the FCC, I am comforted in the fact
that his talent will be brought to bear on the most important
communications and telecommunications issues facing our nation."

     Powell has served as the Antitrust Division's Chief of Staff
since December 1996.  His responsibilities include advising the
Assistant Attorney General on substantive antitrust matters, such
as criminal and civil investigations and mergers.  He is the
senior management officer overseeing the Division's budget,
training, personnel, and a wide variety of other administrative
activities.  
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