WASHINGTON, D.C. - Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR), Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH), and Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) released the following statement after Democrats introduced their net neutrality legislation:
“Republicans and Democrats agree, a free and open internet is fundamental to our society," Walden, Latta, and Rodgers said. “Right now, without Title II, the internet remains a key driver of economic growth. Let’s come together to ensure that continues, because all sides want a permanent solution. Instead of looking to the extremes, and discarding twenty years of bipartisan consensus, we can come together on shared principles to address blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization."
The leaders continued, “Title II is not the answer, it paves the way for a regulated internet, an internet that does not protect the consumer nor allow for American ingenuity to thrive. We can do better."
Background:
E&C Republican leaders were at the table, at the start of this Congress, offering a sincere menu of options to engage in good faith with Democrats to find a bipartisan solution for net neutrality.
* Rep. Greg Walden’s bill codifies the FCC’s protections, so they aren’t subject to changing administrations. The bill prohibits blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization, and requires that ISPs be transparent in their network management practices and prices.
* Rep. Bob Latta’s bill is drawn directly from former Democratic E&C Chairman Waxman’s proposal from 2010.
* Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ bill is drawn directly from the Washington state net neutrality rules from 2018. Washington State has a bicameral legislature in which Democrats control both houses, as well as a Democrat Governor who also happens to be a former member of E&C.
