OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Disapproving Fcc Internet And Broadband Regulations

Floor Speech

Date: April 8, 2011
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication

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Ms. MATSUI. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, ahead of a looming potential government shutdown, it is ironic that we are considering this resolution today that would move towards shutting down a free and open Internet. On the CR, my Republican colleagues are overreaching and have unfortunately demonstrated an unwillingness to negotiate in good faith with congressional Democrats and the President. The resolution before us is an example of the flawed process.

Under the terms of the Congressional Review Act, resolutions of disapproval are not open to amendment even for the most basic consumer protections. During the Energy and Commerce Committee debate, I offered an amendment that would preserve the transparency rule adopted by the FCC as part of the open Internet order, requiring broadband providers to make available their network management practices so that consumers and innovators can make informed choices.

I offered the same amendment to the Rules Committee in hopes that the majority would make it in order and debate its merits.

The transparency rule is the most basic of consumer protections, and it is also the least controversial aspect of the rule supported by broadband providers, high-tech companies and consumers groups, including all six witnesses during a committee hearing on this. Yet this resolution will remove this widely accepted practice to protect consumers and innovators as well.

Mr. Speaker, it is unclear how the FCC will be able to address consumer protection issues with respect to broadband providers if this resolution is enacted. We need to consider these unintended consequences. This resolution is a blunt instrument that risks the future of competition, innovation, and an open Internet.

Mr. Speaker, the FCC's open Internet order brings certainty and clarity to a debate that has consumed this industry for years. It allows Internet service and content providers to focus on what they do best, innovate and create jobs.

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