Issue Position: Telecom and the Internet

Issue Position

Net Neutrality:

As you may know, "net neutrality" refers to efforts by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate the ways in which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) manage the traffic in their networks. Supporters of net neutrality regulations claim that these regulations will promote an open Internet where ideas, commerce, innovation and competition can flourish. The FCC has cited that its authority to impose net neutrality regulations, referred to as "Open Internet" rules, is granted under Title II of the Communications Act, and the President has encouraged this action.

Although I support a free and competitive Internet, I firmly believe that this should not be accomplished through increased federal regulation. Instead, discriminatory or anticompetitive activities on the Internet should be prevented with the strong enforcement of antitrust laws, which can be applied uniformly to all Internet market participants. In a past hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, witnesses confirmed that antitrust laws are indeed more effective than net neutrality regulation in ensuring a truly free and open Internet.

Also concerning is the method by which net neutrality was implemented. The FCC granted itself permission to impose net neutrality regulations by re-writing our nation's communications laws -- a responsibility tasked to Congress, not the Executive branch. This mirrors the pattern of overreach seen in federal government's growing EPA regulations, intrusive Obamacare laws and the President's unilateral actions on immigration. When Congress is circumvented, the Executive branch yields too much power in direct defiance of the Constitution, and this cannot be allowed to continue.

I recently joined a coalition of House Judiciary Committee members in expressing my deep disappointment with the FCC's narrow approval of the "Open Internet" rules in a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler. I will stand with my colleagues on this committee as legislation is introduced to ensure that antitrust laws -- not increased federal overreach -- are the preferred method against anticompetitive conduct on the Internet rather than further invasive regulations by the FCC. Rest assured that I will take every action necessary to keep the Internet a free and competitive marketplace.

Source