From the small content providers to the large broadband service providers, the Internet belongs to all American citizens.  The recent spotlight on telecommunications reform has focused attention on maintaining an open and free marketplace of information, unfettered by discrimination or impaired by limited access to content.  Net neutrality requires network operators to provide the same quality of service on an equivalent basis to all consumers - including application providers like Amazon, E-bay, Goggle and Yahoo.  I support Net neutrality and voted for the Markey Amendment to H.R. 5252 to ensure that an open marketplace will continue to flourish.  Unfortunately, the amendment was defeated 269 to 152 with 11 Members not voting.  The record shows that I voted YES.

Constituents in the 11^th District as well as throughout the nation are outraged about certain continuing exploitive practices of the cable monopolies and have called for greater competition to lower prices and improve service.  My vote for passage of the bill was a response to those demands.