Reps want merger action: Boucher leads call in House for speedy Comcast-NBCU review.(Rules)(NBC Universal Inc.)

Washington -- The Federal Communications Commission and the Justice Department are getting some pressure from Capitol Hill to make sure the vetting of Comcast's proposed NBC Universal joint-venture deal doesn't go past year-end.

That would be just fine with both companies, whose executives have said they are still hopeful that deadline can be met.

While Congress was running for the exits for its August break last week, a dozen House members paused long enough to profess their public support for the deal and press their case for not dragging out the review.

The highest-profile supporter was Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.) chair of the House subcommittee with oversight authority over the FCC.

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