Members of Congress Respond to Open Internet Decision
January 14, 2014
- Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV: “Although I am disappointed that the court did not unequivocally uphold the FCC’s net neutrality protections, I am pleased that the court recognized that the FCC has the authority to issue necessary consumer protection rules for broadband networks. At its core, the FCC’s fundamental responsibility is the regulation of communications networks for the public interest and consumers everywhere. I urge the FCC to consider all viable options to accomplish these objectives, and to make sure that that both consumers and competition are protected through a free and open Internet. I stand ready to assist the Commission in that endeavor.”
- Sen Ed Markey (D-MA): “We must ensure that as the Internet continues to evolve, it remains a level playing field guided by the principles of openness and competition As one of the primary authors of the Telecom Act of 1996, I know the Communications Act gives the FCC clear authority to oversee the operation of broadband networks, and has the power to intervene in its effort to preserve competition and safeguard consumers. I plan to introduce legislation in the coming days that makes this crystal clear, and look forward to working with the Commission to ensure consumers are protected.” In 2009 then-Rep. Markey introduced H.R. 3458, the Internet Freedom Preservation Act. The bill stated that it should be the policy of the United States to protect the right of consumers to access lawful content, run lawful applications, and use lawful services of their choice on the Internet while preserving and promoting the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks, enabling consumers to connect to such networks their choice of lawful devices, as long as such devices do not harm the network.
- House Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR): “The court today delivered a victory for jobs and innovation. This ruling stands up for consumers and providers alike by keeping the government’s hands off the Internet,” said Upton and Walden. “In the Internet’s infancy, the commission made the right decision to leave it free from the interference of government regulators. Today’s ruling vacates the commission’s attempt to go back on this policy and to smother the Internet with rules designed for the monopoly telephone network. Just as before the commission adopted its net neutrality order, with today’s decision American consumers will continue to have access to the Internet and to the content of their choosing without the government playing the role of traffic cop.”
- House Commerce Committee Ranking Member Henry Waxman (D-CA): “Today the D.C. Circuit affirmed what never should have been in question – the FCC can protect consumers, innovation, and competition online. Now the Commission must act expeditiously to exercise the authority the court has recognized. I look forward to working with the FCC to revise the rules on the books that protect the free and open Internet, so that it remains the robust platform that is driving our economy today and into the future.”
- “I am pleased that the D.C. Circuit affirmed the FCC’s authority to oversee broadband services,” Rep Doris Matsui (D-CA) said. “It is critical that all Americans have access to a free and open Internet, and I urge the Commission to act accordingly.”
Members of Congress Respond to Open Internet Decision Statement (Sen Markey) Markey To Introduce Net Neutrality Legislation (B&C) Statement (Chairmen Upton and Walden) Statement (Rep Waxman) Court strikes down net neutrality (The Hill)