Rep Gohmert to FCC: ‘You’re playing God with the Internet’

Rep Louie Gohmert (R-TX), an outspoken critic of the Federal Communications Commission's rules that prevent Internet providers from blocking Web sites or speeding some of them up over others, exploded during a House Judiciary Committee hearing. His voice rising to a shout, Rep Gohmert threw a stream of accusations at FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, complaining that the FCC had cut off Internet providers' ability to find new ways of making money. "Before the FCC came in, everybody could explore new business models," Rep Gohmert said. "You're playing God with the Internet … That's not your job. Congress wasn't asking you to take over the Internet," he added, referring to the FCC's congressional charter. Chairman Wheeler didn't respond directly to Rep Gohmert. But during the hearing, he defended the FCC's new net neutrality rules. He also noted that some Republicans agree that there is a need to put some limits on Internet providers, pointing to a bill backed by Reps. Greg Walden (R-OR) and Fred Upton (R-MI), as well as Sen. John Thune (R-SD).