Democrats slam GOP anti-network neutrality provision

Reps. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) slammed Republicans for including a controversial anti-network neutrality provision in a popular spectrum bill.

"That shouldn't be in the bill," Rep Eshoo said. "It's ludicrous." Rep Markey called the provision "very problematic." Although Democrats support the broad outline of the spectrum legislation, they are adamantly opposed to an amendment from Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) that would restrict the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ability to impose network neutrality conditions on wireless companies that purchase spectrum leases at auction. The FCC adopted network neutrality rules last year that prohibit Internet providers from slowing down or blocking access to legitimate websites. Democrats say the rules protect consumers and promote competition, but Republicans say they are an unnecessary burden on businesses and amount to government control of the Internet. At a markup last week, Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) called the amendment "poison," and warned it could sink the whole spectrum bill.