WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today made the following statement about the net neutrality proposals from Chairman Henry Waxman:

“I appreciate the efforts Chairman Waxman has made to craft a congressional solution to the problem that the Federal Communications Commission has created by attempting to reclassify broadband Internet service.

“With Chairman Waxman’s effort comes a tacit admission that the FCC is going down the wrong path, a path that will stifle investment and create regulatory overhang in one of the most dynamic sectors of our economy. I am glad that there seems to be a fairly broad consensus that the FCC should not reclassify Internet service under the monopoly-era Title II of the Communications Act.

“I have consulted with Republican leadership and members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and there is a widespread view that there is not sufficient time to ensure that Chairman Waxman’s proposal will keep the Internet open without chilling innovation and job creation.

“It is not appropriate to give the FCC authority to regulate the Internet. If the Congress wants to prevent the FCC reclassifying internet service under Title II it should go ahead and do so without qualification. 

“This is not a solution for the future of the Internet. America should be about preserving the vibrant and competitive free market that exists for the Internet and other interactive computer services, unfettered by federal or state regulation. The free market has produced 200 million broadband subscribers in the last 10 years.

“If the majority wants to work on a solution to continue a free and open Internet, let’s consider the issue deliberately, rather than punting with a halfway measure two days before the end of Congress. ”