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Microsoft vs. prosecution
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October 15, 1999: 3:50 p.m. ET
Software firm lobbies allies in Congress against DOJ's antitrust unit
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Microsoft Corp. has been involved in discussions with members of Congress regarding what the company views as the intrusive role the Justice Department's antitrust division plays in the technology industry.
A company spokesman said Friday Microsoft (MSFT) is using the discussions to air the company's concerns over the way the Justice Department has handled its lengthy antitrust suit against the firm.
"We have concerns about the way they've handled the case," said Rick Miller, a Microsoft spokesman. "Our competitors helped bring this case against us, and the Justice Department has been suggesting governments overseas bring their own lawsuits against us. Many members of Congress agree with us that this is inappropriate."
The Washington Post reported Friday that Microsoft and its congressional allies are pushing the government to reduce next year's funding for the antitrust division of the Justice Department.
The Clinton administration currently is trying to drum up $114.3 million to cover the salaries of 360 attorneys in the antitrust division and to hire 18 additional staff members.
But company lobbyists and other Microsoft supporters reportedly have been pressing Senate and House members to cut that figure by $9 million, the Post said.
Miller told CNNfn.com that Microsoft hasn't targeted a specific dollar figure for the antitrust division's funding, though he added the company is committed to seeing further oversight enacted.
Microsoft shares fell 2-15/16 to 87-3/4 in afternoon trade. 
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Microsoft
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