(Nov. 1, 2000) Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Arthur Levitt says in an exclusive interview with SmartPros that the SEC will issue a final rule on auditor independence within 60 days.

	Can't Listen? Read the Interview

	Question 1
Now that the 75-day period for comments and testimony on the proposed rules is over, what is the next step and when do you expect a decision to be made?

	Question 2
Why do you think the proposal has been met with such opposition and did the SEC expect the profession to react in this manner?

	Question 3
Many, including the AICPA, are concerned about what impact this proposal will have on small businesses, what is your response to that concern?

	Question 4
Last month, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young submitted a proposal of their own. Does the Commission plan on adopting any elements of their proposal?

	Question 5
The SEC has been bashed for allowing only 75 days for comments and testimony, what is your response to that concern?

	Question 6
In your speech before the Council, you made some suggestions for the AICPA, can you elaborate on those suggestions?

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