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American Morning

Senator Joe Lieberman Discusses Cell Phone Safety Report

Aired May 22, 2001 - 09:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: And now to the report on cell phone safety -- it was prepared by the General Accounting Office. That's the investigative arm of Congress. Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman asked for the study. Senator Lieberman is joining us from our Washington bureau this morning with a preview of the findings.

Senator, good morning. Good to see you.

SEN. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN (D), CONNECTICUT: Good morning. You, too. Thank you.

KAGAN: First of all, why the GAO? Why is that the right arm, the right organization to look at cell phone safety?

LIEBERMAN: This is the general auditing investigative arm of Congress -- professional, nonpolitical people. And they're the ones we ask questions like this to. They tend not to do research themselves -- that is, laboratory-type research. But they review the available research and give us their conclusions, as they have in this case.

KAGAN: And what kind of conclusions did they come up with?

LIEBERMAN: Well, it's interesting. I mean, the first thing to say, what everybody knows is that there are now more than 110 million users of cell phones in the United States. So this is an important question.

GAO's answer to the direct question of, "Are cell phones safe?" is this: The consensus of all of the studies that have been done so far shows no adverse health effects from the use of cell phones.

KAGAN: Senator, we should be clear that we're talking about if you use a cell phone and if it's going to give you a brain tumor, something like that. We're not talking about driving and using your phone, which is a whole different topic.

LIEBERMAN: Absolutely right. This is all about the health effects. So the first direct answer is: Right now, the consensus from all the studies that have been done is that there are no adverse health effects. But -- and this is a big but -- they cannot reach a conclusion that cell phones pose no risk.

And the reason they say that is because it's too early. I mean, in 1994, I think there was something like 15 million users. Now there are 110 million. And two points the GAO report makes: We need a longer-term period of time, when we see whether long-term exposure to cell phones does pose any risk to our health.

Secondly, there are a couple of studies that do show changes in both animal tissue and then some changes in human brain activity as a result of radiation from cell phones. And that doesn't mean that there's necessarily harm that comes from that. But it raises enough questions that they need to do more research.

So it's really up to individuals to decide how they -- how they feel about all of this and what they want to do about it. I am sure some will just continue and conclude there is no health risk. Others may take minor precautionary steps, such as using a headset while they're using the cell phones plugged into the cell phone.

KAGAN: Senator, another topic with cell phones: Later today, two of your colleagues, Senator Corzine and Representative Ackerman, are going to introduce the first ever federal legislation that would ban the use of cell phones while driving. Do you think that's a good idea?

LIEBERMAN: I don't have an opinion on that, at this point, to tell you the truth. I am going to take a look at that legislation. You know, I have been concerned about it. And there is a way in which it does seem irresponsible to me and dangerous in many cases.

Mostly, this has been done at the state level and -- as most traffic laws are adopted at state level. So for now, I am going to wait and see and take a look and see whether this is a proper role for federal legislation.

But these are parts of our lives. And we've got to consider all these questions as we enjoy the benefits -- the tremendous benefits of cell phones.

KAGAN: And just quickly, Senator, while we have you here, we would be remiss if we didn't ask you about the late night in the Senate last night.

LIEBERMAN: Yes.

KAGAN: All of the amendments to the budget proposal -- is this just the Democrats and some moderate Republicans trying to put off the inevitable: that President Bush's budget proposal will be going through Congress?

LIEBERMAN: No, I don't think so.

Look, I think there was a certain amount of testiness that happened last night just because we were in so late. And there seems to be a drive by the Republican leadership to get this passed last night, regardless.

These are serious amendments that are posing alternatives to the president's tax cut and saying we can do other things with this money than what is proposed: Pay down the debt; invest in education; use it for business tax incentives or payroll tax deductions.

I think the odds are clear that this bill and the president's tax plan will pass. But the Senate is asking for a reasonable amount of time to test it and offer some alternatives and see if any of them has the chance to improve this proposal that the president has given us.

KAGAN: And you expect that Senate vote to come today?

LIEBERMAN: I would expect it will come by the end of the day. And then it will go to a conference committee. I know the president really wants to have this on his desk by Memorial Day. Of course, I am against it because I think it's fiscally irresponsible. So I hope it doesn't pass and get enacted the way it is.

But my guess is, it will. And it will be on the president's desk. And he will sign it by the beginning of next week.

KAGAN: Well, we will cut you loose so that you can make some calls safely and go about your business.

(LAUGHTER)

LIEBERMAN: OK. Thanks a lot. Have a good day.

KAGAN: Senator Joe Lieberman, thanks for joining us.

LIEBERMAN: Thank you.

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