WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, chaired by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), today discussed the implications of FCC action to regulate the Internet using utility-style regulations. The FCC is scheduled to vote tomorrow morning to reverse decades of precedent and implement heavy-handed rules that are destined for court challenge.
Members used the hearing to discuss the many issues raised by FCC action as well as the merits of draft legislation put forward by full Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman John Thune (R-SD), and Subcommittee Chairman Walden.
“Tomorrow, the FCC is expected to adopt an Order that may not ultimately provide net neutrality protections for American consumers; that might lay the groundwork for future regulation of the Internet; that may raise rates for the American Internet users; and that could stymie Internet adoption, innovation, and investment," said Walden.
Upton added, “Whether intended or not, the FCC’s approach brings with it a host of consequences that have the potential to disrupt the Internet we have come to know and rely on."
Former Communications and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA) discussed the issues with the FCC’s proposal. “Tomorrow’s reclassification order, and the network neutrality principles it embodies, truly rest on a tenuous foundation," said Boucher. Speaking to the draft legislation, he added, “Legislation is the superior solution. That is true for those of us who strongly support network neutrality guarantees. It’s virtually impenetrable to judicial challenge and would resolve the debate with statutory permanence that is simply not available through the regulatory and administrative process."
“A legislative answer to the net neutrality question will finally put to rest years of litigation and uncertainty," concluded Upton. “Let’s work to avoid those landmines and get this done here, in Congress, where policy decisions belong."
